Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

Three Charged Over Ambulance Fires at Jewish Charity in North London

Following a fire at four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in north London, three individuals face charges of arson with intent to damage property and recklessness regarding potential harm to life. The incident occurred in the car park of a synagogue in Golders Green, specifically during the early hours of March 23. The accused include Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy with dual British-Pakistani citizenship, all of whom were arrested at three separate locations in east London. They are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

The Hatzola ambulances, managed by a volunteer-driven Jewish group, were targeted in the suspected attack. While counter-terror police are leading the investigation, the Metropolitan Police clarified that the event has not yet been classified as a terrorist act. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, reiterated that “criminal proceedings against these defendants are active” and assured that they will have access to a fair trial.

“Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” said Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. She highlighted the “incredible” community support following the incident.

Earlier in the week, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained in connection with the case but released on bail until late April. Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, noted that increased police patrols in Jewish-populated areas are precautionary and not linked to a specific threat. “We know that local community concerns continue to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities during the Passover festival period,” he added, emphasizing the measures are aimed at maintaining safety and reassurance.