Police in London have charged four suspects in connection with the arson attack that destroyed ambulances belonging to the Jewish emergency service Hatzola Northwest in Golders Green, reports The Jerusalem Post.
Two British nationals, 20-year-old Hamza Iqbal and 19-year-old Rehan Khan, along with a 17-year-old dual British-Pakistani citizen, were charged with „arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered”, according to the Metropolitan Police Service.
A fourth suspect, a 19-year-old man, was arrested separately after being identified by officers at court and taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The initial three suspects were arrested at different locations across East London, with counterterrorism officers carrying out searches at associated addresses. Two additional individuals arrested earlier in the investigation had been released on bail.
The attack, which saw four ambulances set alight outside a synagogue in Golders Green, is being investigated by counterterrorism detectives. However, it has not been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the concern within the Jewish community and said police have implemented an „enhanced, bespoke policing plan” across vulnerable areas in London.
This includes increased patrols, with visible armed officers deployed to deter further incidents.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who is leading the investigation, said authorities would continue working closely with local communities to ensure safety and respond to concerns.
The arson attack, which caused significant damage but no injuries, has heightened fears within London’s Jewish population amid a wider rise in antisemitic incidents.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities assess the full circumstances and potential motivations behind the attack.
Photo credit: REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY
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