Four ambulances at a Jewish community rescue service in London were set ablaze on Monday morning in what local law enforcement authorities are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred outside the Machzike Hadath synagogue located in the city’s largest Jewish community early Monday morning, the London Metropolitan Police Department reported.
Police officers responded to reports of a fire in the area at around 1:45 a.m. local time, according to the LMPD. Multiple explosions were heard and believed to be from gas canisters on the ambulances.
“Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire involving four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community on Highfield Court in Golders Green,” said a release issued by the London Fire Brigade. “Four Hatzalah ambulances were damaged by fire. Multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded and caused windows to break in an adjacent block of flats.”
No injuries were reported, according to law enforcement officials. Houses in the area were vacated as a safety precaution, however.
“Officers remain on scene, and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime,” the LMPD said in a statement.
LMPD Superintendent Sarah Jackson acknowledged the severity of the incident and that it would likely cause concern among area residents. In a press release issued by the LMPD, Jackson said the investigation was ongoing.
“We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern, and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries,” said Jackson.
Security footage of the incident showed three hooded people approaching the ambulances and pouring gasoline on them, local media outlets reported.
“We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage,” Jackson said. “We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.”
“There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible – you can do so anonymously if you wish,” she added.
“We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence,” Jackson said.
