Police in London probe arson on Jewish community ambulances as a hate crime amid rising antisemitic incidents.
British police launched an investigation into an arson attack on ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service in London's Golders Green neighborhood. The incident occurred early on March 23, 2026, with emergency services responding to reports of a fire at approximately 1:45 a.m. local time.
Fire crews discovered four vehicles damaged, and cylinders on the ambulances exploded, shattering windows in a nearby residential building. No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, and road closures remained in place during the investigation.
Police Response and Suspects
London's Metropolitan Police confirmed the attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. Superintendent Sarah Jackson stated that the incident would cause significant community concern and announced increased patrols in the area.
Officers are examining CCTV footage and online videos, believing they are searching for three suspects at this early stage. No arrests have been made, and police urged anyone with information to come forward, offering options for anonymous reporting.
The ambulances are operated by Hatzola, a volunteer organization providing free emergency medical care in areas with large Jewish populations. Shomrim, a neighborhood watch group in Golders Green, clarified that the explosions were caused by oxygen tanks, not a bomb or explosive device.
Antisemitic incidents in the UK have risen sharply since late 2023, according to the Community Security Trust. The group reported 3,700 incidents in 2025, up from 1,662 in 2022, highlighting a pattern of increased attacks amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In a related event, an attacker drove into people outside a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur celebrations last October, resulting in two deaths. Police and faith leaders are engaging to provide reassurance and maintain a visible presence in affected areas as investigations continue.
