Arson Attack on Jewish Ambulances Investigated by London Police

Police are investigating an arson attack on several ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer service, Hatzola Northwest, which occurred early Monday morning, March 23, 2026,  at around 1:40 a.m. local time. The attack took place on Highfield Road, located within Golders Green, a north London suburb known for its large Jewish population, which includes numerous synagogues and Jewish schools.

The incident has been classified by authorities  — including the Metropolitan Police —  a hate crime motivated by antisemitism. Four ambulances were severely damaged, with multiple gas canisters on board exploding and causing windows to shatter  — not just on the ambulances but also on nearby buildings, according to statements from the London Fire Brigade.

Eyewitness reports corroborate the chaos that unfolded. Mark Reisner, who lives nearby, described the scene, saying he heard loud explosions and arrived just “just  before the third ambulance blew up.” He recounted, “A very loud explosion, you sort of felt it go through your guts,” emphasizing the shock and confusion that the community felt after witnessing such a violent act.

Firefighters responded swiftly, with the London Fire Brigade receiving 56 emergency calls related to the incident. They dispatched six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters to the scene. The fire was brought under control shortly after 3 a.m., and thankfully, no injuries were reported. Nearby homes were evacuated for safety precautions during the firefighting efforts.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson of the Metropolitan Police stated, “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern. Officers remain on the scene to carry out urgent inquiries.” The police are currently examining CCTV footage and actively searching for three suspects linked to the arson. So far, no arrests have been made.

Footage circulating on social media purportedly shows three hooded individuals pouring gasoline on the ambulances prior to the fire igniting. This alarming detail has intensified fears about rising antisemitism within the community.

The incident comes against a backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom, particularly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, which began late last year. According to the Community Security Trust, a charity dedicated to safeguarding the Jewish community, there were 3,700 reported antisemitic incidents throughout 2025, a staggering increase from 1,662 incidents reported the previous year. This rising trend of antisemitism has caused widespread concern among Jewish communities across the country.

Earlier incidents have also raised alarms. For example, a tragic attack occurred last October, where a man drove his car into a gathering outside a synagogue during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, resulting  — tragically —  the deaths of two individuals, one of whom was a victim of police gunfire during the chaos.

Hatzola Northwest, established back  —  1979, provides free emergency medical services to residents of North London. The organization collaborates closely with national emergency services and local hospitals, responding to thousands of calls each year, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Its role has been particularly important within the Jewish community, where the organization has become a trusted lifeline.

Following the arson attack, Shomrim, a neighborhood watch organization, condemned the act, describing it —  a criminal act of arson and a targeted attack affecting a service that is integral to the Jewish community. Their statement on social media highlighted the severity of the incident, saying, “This was not only a criminal act of arson, but a targeted and deeply concerning incident affecting a  vital emergency service serving the local Jewish community.”

With the police investigation still underway, community leaders are calling for vigilance and solidarity. Superintendent Jackson has indicated that police will be engaging with faith leaders and increasing patrols to provide reassurance and maintain a visible presence within the area.

Golders Green, where the attack occurred, is home to approximately 15,000 residents, half of whom are Jewish, according to the 2021 census data. The area has long been a center of Jewish life and culture within London, making this attack particularly distressing for its residents.

Local leaders and residents are grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event, which damaged property and instilled fear within a community already on edge due to rising tensions surrounding antisemitism. The attack on Hatzola Northwest ambulances is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities and the urgent need for collective action against hate crimes.

The broader societal impact of this incident cannot be understated. It raises pressing questions about safety, community cohesion, and the responsibilities of law enforcement and civic leaders to protect vulnerable populations. The spike  —  antisemitic incidents since late 2023 is a troubling trend that demands attention and action from all sectors of society.

Moving forward, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The police are appealing for information that could assist their investigation, encouraging residents to come forward with any leads that could help identify the suspects.

With the investigation still active, residents of Golders Green and the broader Jewish community are left to contend with the emotional fallout of this attack, hoping for justice and reassurance that their safety is a priority.