Arabic version: اعتقال رجلين بتهمة إحراق سيارات إسعاف خيرية يهودية في لندن

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire in north London. The incident, which occurred in Golders Green during the early hours of Monday, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. One man, aged 47, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in north-west London on Wednesday morning, while another man, aged 45, was arrested in central London. According to BBC News, Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, described the arrests as an “important breakthrough” but noted that CCTV footage indicates at least three individuals were involved.

The Metropolitan Police previously indicated that the investigation is exploring links to an Islamist group associated with Iran. This group, known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, has made an unsubstantiated claim of responsibility for the attack and has been linked to similar arson incidents across Europe. Although the case is not classified as a terror incident, counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation.

The Community Security Trust, a charity monitoring antisemitism in the UK, expressed gratitude for the police’s efforts in making the arrests. They acknowledged that, despite this progress, the community would understandably remain concerned about safety. In response, additional security measures have been implemented in the area, including the deployment of police officers to protect specific locations and increased visible armed patrols.

Searches are being conducted at the two addresses in London where the suspects were arrested. Meanwhile, four replacement ambulances, provided by the government, arrived at Hatzola on Tuesday, ensuring the charity can continue its vital services.