Two men have been arrested in connection with an arson attack that destroyed ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in north London.
The vehicles, operated by Hatzola, were set on fire in Golders Green in the early hours of Monday. Authorities are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime. A 47-year-old man was arrested in north-west London, while a 45-year-old was detained in central London.
The Metropolitan Police described the arrests as a significant step forward but confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with evidence suggesting at least three individuals may have been involved. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the case, although it has not been formally classified as a terror incident.
Four ambulances were targeted—three completely destroyed and one badly damaged. Explosions caused by gas canisters inside the vehicles shattered nearby windows and forced residents to evacuate, though no injuries were reported.
The attack has shaken the local community, prompting increased security measures, including armed police patrols. The Community Security Trust welcomed the arrests but said concerns remain high.
In response, the UK government has already provided replacement ambulances, and more than £1.3m has been raised through public donations. Hatzola says the funds will also go toward building a more secure headquarters as it continues its work providing free emergency medical care to people of all backgrounds.
