Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
Four ambulances operated by a Jewish community charity were targeted in a fire attack in north London last week, leading to charges against three individuals. The vehicles were ignited in the parking area of a synagogue in Golders Green on 23 March, according to police reports.
The accused include Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage. All are facing allegations of arson with intent to damage property and endangering lives through recklessness. The Metropolitan Police confirmed their arrest at three separate locations in east London on Wednesday.
The trio is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Counter-terror units are overseeing the investigation, though the incident has not yet been classified as an act of terrorism. Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter terrorism division, noted that the “criminal proceedings against these defendants are active” and emphasized the right to a fair trial.
Community Response and Police Actions
Cdr Helen Flanagan, leading Counter Terrorism Policing in London, described the “appalling attack” and highlighted the community’s “incredible” support following the incident. Additional police patrols have been deployed in areas with significant Jewish populations, as stated by Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, who oversees North West London policing.
“Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” Flanagan added.
“We know that local community concerns continue to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities in the Passover festival period,” Williams said. “The presence of additional officers is precautionary and not in response to any specific threat.”
Previously, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained in connection with the case but released on bail until late April. The Hatzola ambulances, managed by a volunteer-led Jewish group, provide care to patients irrespective of religious affiliation.
