'Antisemitic' arson attack carried out in Golders Green as police launch hunt for 'hate crime' suspects
The force are hunting for three suspects in what they have labelled an 'antisemitic hate crime' after four volunteer ambulances were set on fire
An investigation has been launched after a suspected arson attack on four Jewish volunteer ambulance service vehicles.
The attack in Golders Green, Northwest London has been labelled an 'antisemitic hate crime' by Metropolitan Police who are hunting for three suspects.
The four ambulances were set on fire on Highfield Road at around 1.40am on Monday, March 23.
Metropolitan Police have said that four Hatzolah ambulances were on fire in what they have describe as a hate crime.
Hatzolah is a large non-profit Jewish volunteer organisation that provides emergency medical response. Golders Green has a large Jewish population and the service has been in place in the neighbourhood since 1979.
Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution and road closures remain in place. No injuries have been reported and all the fires have been put out.
The blaze was under control just after 3am.
Explosions were heard in the area, according to reports.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded and caused windows to break in a nearby block of flats.
The Met are carrying out enquiries and have said they are currently looking for three suspects, based on CCTV footage.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the local area said: “We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries. We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage.
“There have been no arrests yet, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish.
“We will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area as we continue our investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police 101 quoting CAD415 of 23March or to remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.