London police are urgently searching for three suspects responsible for the arson attack on four ambulances of a Jewish volunteer rescue unit late last night (23 March). The motive is believed to be racial and religious hatred.
Foreign media reported that four ambulances belonging to Hatzolah, a Jewish community volunteer rescue group in north London, England, were set on fire late last night (23 March). The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident with a focus on the issue of an antisemitic hate crime.
The incident occurred around 01:40 local London time when firefighters were alerted to a blaze at ambulances parked at Highfield Court in Golders Green, a neighborhood with a large Jewish population. Explosions from gas cylinders inside the vehicles shattered windows of nearby residential buildings, prompting immediate evacuation orders for safety. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 03:06, with no injuries or fatalities reported.
Local police stated that they are actively searching for three suspects potentially involved in the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage and videos shared online as part of their investigation.
Residents in the area told BBC News that they and others were startled awake after 1:30 a.m. by loud explosions, only to discover the ambulances engulfed in flames.
The four ambulances set ablaze belong to Hatzolah, a non-profit organization providing emergency aid and patient transport services to the Jewish community free of charge. The group has served the Golders Green community since its establishment in 1979.
The incident has caused significant fear within the community. Authorities have increased patrols and are working closely with local religious leaders to reassure residents about safety. They have also urged anyone with information to come forward promptly.
/source:BBC