Keir Starmer has condemned a “horrific” antisemitic arson attack after four ambulances used by the Jewish community were set on fire in North London.
CCTV footage shows three individuals igniting the vehicles in the early hours of Monday before fleeing the scene in Golders Green. The ambulances, operated by the volunteer emergency service Hatzola, were targeted around 1:45 AM. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, and officers are searching for the three suspects.
In a post on X, Sir Keir stated, “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack. My thoughts are with the Jewish community… Antisemitism has no place in our society.”
Residents reported hearing explosions, believed to be caused by gas cylinders on board the ambulances, which led to the evacuation of nearby homes. Around 40 firefighters were called to the scene, and windows of surrounding properties were damaged by the blasts.
Ephraim Mirvis described the attack as a “particularly sickening assault,” affecting not only the Jewish community but society as a whole. He noted, “The targeting of Hatzola… is a painful illustration of the ongoing battle between those who sanctify life and those who seek to destroy it.”
Several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzolah were deliberately set alight overnight outside a synagogue in Golders Green, a predominantly Jewish area of London. The attack was carried out by masked individuals and is being treated as an… pic.twitter.com/nmEhKMj0ZF
— Jonathan Sacerdoti (@jonsac) March 23, 2026
Wes Streeting called the attack “sickening,” adding, “We must stand together against antisemitic hatred.”
Local community patrol group Shomrim stated that the explosions were caused by oxygen tanks and confirmed that there were no casualties.
Police announced that officers would increase patrols and collaborate with faith leaders to reassure the community. Superintendent Sarah Jackson said, “We know this incident will cause a great deal of concern… We urge anyone with information to contact us.”
The attack, which occurred near a synagogue, has sent shockwaves through the local community amid growing fears over rising antisemitism in the UK.
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