Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
Three Charged in Ambulance Fires Linked to Jewish Charity
Four ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer group Hatzola were torched in a synagogue car park in Golders Green, north London, during the early hours of 23 March. Three individuals are now facing charges of arson with intent to destroy property and negligence that could endanger lives. Among them are Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both from Leyton, alongside a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage, whose identity remains confidential for legal reasons.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests took place at three separate locations in east London. These suspects are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Although counter-terror units are leading the inquiry, the Met stated the event has not yet been classified as a terrorist act. Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s counter-terrorism division, emphasized that the defendants are under active legal proceedings and are guaranteed a fair trial.
Community Response and Security Measures
Cdr Helen Flanagan, overseeing Counter Terrorism Policing in London, noted the investigation is ongoing since the attack. She praised the community’s swift support following the incident. Hatzola, which provides medical aid to all regardless of religion, has been targeted in this attack. Police patrols have increased in areas with significant Jewish populations, particularly amid the Passover festival.
“Since the attack, we’ve worked nonstop to uncover the perpetrators,” Flanagan stated. “The community’s response has been incredible.”
Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, managing North West London policing, highlighted that additional officers are deployed as precautionary steps rather than a reaction to an imminent threat. Earlier, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained but released on bail pending further investigation. The incident has sparked heightened vigilance, with authorities monitoring local concerns closely during the festive period.
