British authorities have now charged three individuals—aged 17, 19, and 20—regarding a concerning arson incident that targeted an ambulance within a Jewish community in north London.
This incident took place around 1:45 a.m. on March 23 in Golders Green. Four ambulances managed by Hatzolah, a volunteer emergency service for the Jewish community, were intentionally set ablaze in a parking lot near a synagogue.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old have been charged with arson with the intention of causing property damage and recklessly endangering lives. Police noted that two of the suspects are British nationals, while one holds dual British-Pakistani citizenship.
All three were apprehended at different locations across London on Wednesday. They did not enter a plea during a Saturday hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, which lasted about 45 minutes, and were remanded in custody.
Moreover, a fourth suspect was arrested and taken into custody shortly after the hearing, as reported by prosecutors.
The attack has been labeled as “horrendous” by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who emphasized that an attack on the Jewish community equates to an attack on everyone. He tweeted that combating the “poison of anti-Semitism” is a priority.
According to a report by an intelligence group, an Iranian-aligned network known as the Right-Hand People’s Islamic Movement claimed responsibility for this act.
While there have been claims connecting the incident to terrorism, authorities have not officially categorized it as such. However, the Metropolitan Police indicated that counter-terrorism officers are spearheading the investigation.
In the days following the arson, two additional men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested but were later released on bail.
Commander Helen Flanagan from London’s counter-terrorism unit praised the local community’s support since the attack and assured that efforts will continue to ensure public safety.
The Metropolitan Police have yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the ongoing case.
