Two men have been arrested in connection with an arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to a volunteer-run Jewish emergency service in Golders Green, north-west London.
Truth Live News International learnt from Sky News that the suspects, aged 47 and 45, were taken into custody on Wednesday morning (25 March) at separate locations in north-west and central London. Police confirmed they were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody for questioning.
The arrests relate to an incident that occurred at approximately 1:35am on Monday, when multiple vehicles operated by Hatzola were deliberately set on fire. The ambulances had been parked close to a synagogue in the area.
According to the Metropolitan Police, CCTV footage shows three hooded individuals pouring an accelerant over the vehicles before igniting the blaze. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
The fire triggered explosions from gas canisters inside the ambulances, waking nearby residents and causing damage to surrounding buildings, including shattered windows at the synagogue. As a precaution, nearby homes were evacuated.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the arrests as a major step forward but warned that more suspects may still be at large.
“We have been working around the clock since this appalling attack took place and this has led to these arrests being made this morning,” she said.
“This appears to be an important breakthrough in the investigation, but we’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved.”
“We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved.”
The Community Security Trust, a charity that provides protection for Jewish communities, welcomed the arrests but noted that concerns remain.
“We are grateful to the officers who have worked tirelessly to find those accountable,” the organisation said.
“While this development is an important step forward, we know the community will understandably remain concerned.”
Security measures in the area are expected to remain heightened as investigations continue.
Authorities are also reviewing an online claim of responsibility made by a group identifying itself as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI). The group is believed to be newly formed and potentially aligned with Iran, though police say they are still working to verify the authenticity of the claim.
At this stage, the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, rather than a confirmed act of terrorism.
Police have appealed to the public for any additional information that could assist in identifying other individuals involved.
