Two men have been arrested following an anti-Semitic firebomb attack in north London.
The incident took place in Golders Green during the early hours of Monday, when four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were deliberately set alight outside a synagogue. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, amid concerns the attack may have links to Iran.
The suspects, aged 45 and 47, were arrested on Wednesday at locations in north-west and central London. They are being held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody. Police have confirmed they are continuing efforts to locate a third individual believed to be involved.
CCTV footage shows three masked individuals approaching the ambulances on Highfield Road at approximately 1:40am. The suspects poured a flammable substance over the vehicles before igniting them and escaping on foot.
During the blaze, several oxygen cylinders inside the ambulances exploded, causing damage to the synagogue, including shattered windows, and prompting the evacuation of the surrounding area. The fire was brought under control by around 3:06am, and no injuries were reported.
Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said officers had been working continuously since the attack and described the arrests as a significant development. However, she noted that at least three suspects were seen on CCTV, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams of the Metropolitan Police said additional security measures have been introduced, including targeted policing plans and the deployment of specialist officers to protect key locations.
Sources linked to the Israeli embassy have suggested the attack bears similarities to operations backed by Iran. A group calling itself Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, believed to have connections to Iran, has reportedly claimed responsibility in an online video. The group, which only recently appeared online, has also claimed involvement in other incidents targeting Jewish sites in Europe.
An Israeli government report indicated the group may have recruited local criminals via the internet to carry out such attacks. Police have acknowledged the claim of responsibility but say they have not yet verified its authenticity.
The ambulances targeted in the attack belong to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer-led Jewish emergency service operating in Golders Green since 1979.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the attack as “abhorrent” and warned that anti-Semitism is increasing in the UK. Speaking at an event hosted by the Community Security Trust, she said many Jewish people feel increasingly unsafe and are being forced to conceal aspects of their identity.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that security measures for Jewish communities will be strengthened further, including the use of undercover officers to help prevent potential terrorist activity.
Image: CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
