Arson Attack on Hatzola Ambulances Investigated as Antisemitic Hate Crime
An arson attack targeting four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish-led emergency medical service, in Golders Green, North London, is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police, with counter-terror officers involved. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of March 23, 2026, caused several explosions due to gas canisters onboard the vehicles.
Details of the Attack
At approximately 1:40 am GMT on March 23, 2026, four Hatzola ambulances parked on Highfield Road in Golders Green were set ablaze. The fire was extinguished by six fire engines and 40 firefighters at 3:06 am GMT. [1] Windows in a nearby apartment block were broken due to explosions from oxygen cylinders within the ambulances. [4]
CCTV footage appears to show three suspects dressed in black setting fire to an ambulance before fleeing the scene. [1] An accelerant was poured on the ambulances, which were parked on the property of Machzike Hadath, an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, destroying three vehicles and seriously damaging a fourth. [6]
Investigation and Potential Links to Iran
The Metropolitan Police is investigating whether a group with “potential Iranian state links” could be behind the attack, though it is too early to attribute the attack directly to Iran. [1] Police are concerned about the “rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats” in the UK. [1]
The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand (Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya) has claimed responsibility for the attack, though British authorities have not yet verified the claim or identified a perpetrator. [5] SITE Intelligence Group describes the group as an “Iran-aligned multinational militant collective.” [8]
As of March 25, 2026, no arrests have been made, but two British men have been arrested in connection with the arson attack. [4] [5]
Hatzola Northwest Trust
The affected ambulances belong to Hatzola Northwest Trust, a non-profit organization established in 1994, run by Jewish volunteers, that provides free emergency medical treatment and transportation to hospitals. [1] The organization operates a fleet of five ambulances and numerous fast response cars. [7]
Official Reactions
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged anyone with information to contact the police, stating that the perpetrators will be pursued and held accountable. [1] Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis visited the scene of the attack. [1]