Keir Starmer issues statement after ‘deeply shocking antisemitic arson’ on ambulances
Four Hatzola community ambulances were set ablaze in Golders Green, London
The Prime Minister has described an attack on four Jewish volunteer ambulances overnight as a 'deeply shocking antisemitic arson'. The Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze in the Golders Green area of north-west London at around 1.45am this morning (March 23).
The Metropolitan Police says the incident is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. CCTV footage captured three individuals setting light to an ambulance in the early hours.
In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer condemned their actions as 'horrific'. He said: "This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.
"My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police."
There were no injuries reported following the attack on Highfield Road and no arrests have yet been made. Police said reports of explosions are believed to be linked to gas canisters on board the ambulances.
Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution and road closures in the area remain in place. 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. The blaze was under control just after 3am.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads policing in the 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 March 23 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.