London's Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into an arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer organization Hatzola Northwest early Monday morning. The incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. GMT on Highfield Road in Golders Green, a north London suburb home to a large Jewish community, outside the Machzikei Hadath synagogue.

Security camera footage showed three masked individuals approaching one of the ambulances and setting it alight at 1:36 a.m., with flames quickly spreading and causing multiple explosions from onboard gas canisters. The London Fire Brigade dispatched six fire engines and about 40 firefighters after receiving 56 emergency calls. They brought the blaze under control by 3:06 a.m., but the explosions shattered windows in nearby buildings and prompted the evacuation of around 30 residents to a local shelter. No injuries were reported.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson of the Metropolitan Police stated that officers were examining CCTV footage and online videos. "We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage," she said. "We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern, and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries." Police have increased patrols in the area and engaged with faith leaders, but reported no arrests as of Monday morning.

Hatzola Northwest, part of a global network of volunteer emergency medical services derived from the Hebrew word for "save," has operated in Golders Green since 1979. The nonprofit responds to thousands of calls annually for Jewish and non-Jewish patients alike. Chairman Shloimie Richman confirmed that four of the group's six ambulances were deliberately targeted and expressed concerns that it was "a direct attack on the Jewish community."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack on social media, calling it "a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack." He added, "My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society." Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described it as "a particularly sickening assault – not only on the Jewish community, but on the values we share as a society," praising Hatzola's mission to protect life. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman, who represents Golders Green, said the perpetrators "must feel the full force of the law."

The attack comes amid a surge in antisemitic incidents in the UK, which reached record levels in 2024, according to the Community Security Trust. Incidents rose following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the ensuing Gaza war. Golders Green, with numerous synagogues, Jewish schools, and kosher establishments, houses one of London's largest Jewish populations. The Community Security Trust noted similarities to recent antisemitic attacks in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Residents expressed shock. Councillor Shimon Ryde said, "It's very shocking, it's not unexpected... the Jewish community is very aware of the danger we live in." Gedale Weinberg called it "a terrible, terrible act."