Two men have been arrested in connection with the firebombing of Jewish community ambulances in north London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The suspects, aged 45 and 47, were detained during raids in north-west and central London on Wednesday morning on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both individuals are currently in custody.
Police are continuing to search two properties as part of the investigation, which is being led by counter-terrorism detectives.
The arrests are linked to a fire that occurred in the early hours of Monday in Golders Green, where four ambulances belonging to Hatzola were set ablaze.
The vehicles, operated by a volunteer emergency service, were targeted at around 1:35 AM in what has been described as a deeply alarming incident for the local Jewish community.
While police have not confirmed a motive for the attack, the involvement of specialist counter-terrorism officers highlights the seriousness of the case.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: “We have been working around the clock since this appalling attack took place and this has led to these arrests being made this morning.
“This appears to be an important breakthrough in the investigation, but we’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved.
“We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved.
“I’d like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London, said: “We know that community concerns remain heightened and I want to reassure the community that an enhanced, bespoke policing plan and activity, which is particularly focused around vulnerable areas right across London, will continue over coming days and weeks.
“This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm. I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism policing to support their investigation.
We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”
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