Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

Three Individuals Face Charges Following Ambulance Fires in North London

Four ambulances operated by a Jewish charity were targeted in a suspected arson attack in north London, prompting the charging of three individuals. The vehicles, owned by Hatzola—a volunteer-led group providing care regardless of religious affiliation—were set ablaze in the car park of a synagogue in Golders Green during the early hours of March 23.

The accused include two British men, Hamza Iqbal (20) and Rehan Khan (19), as well as a 17-year-old dual British-Pakistani national. All are charged with arson intending property damage and being reckless about potential life endangerment. They were apprehended on Wednesday at three separate locations in east London, per a Metropolitan Police statement. Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, and the minor from Walthamstow will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Counter-terror officers are leading the probe, though the incident has not yet been classified as terrorism. Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, emphasized that the legal proceedings against the defendants are ongoing and that they are entitled to a fair trial.

“Since the attack, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” said Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. She praised the community’s response as “remarkable.”

Earlier in the week, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained in connection with the case and released on bail until late April. Police have increased patrols in Jewish communities following the incident, with Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, stating: “Our actions are precautionary, not a reaction to any specific threat.” He noted that concerns remain elevated, particularly during the Passover festival period.

Authorities have confirmed the ambulances are part of Hatzola, which serves patients irrespective of faith. The attack has sparked heightened security measures in areas with significant Jewish populations, as officials seek to balance vigilance with community reassurance.