Two Arrested After Golders Green Arson Attack as Ambulances Replaced

Two men were arrested Wednesday morning in connection with the arson attack that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north London earlier this week. The suspects, aged 47 and 45, were detained at addresses in northwest and central London, two days after the early-hours attack on Monday. The arrests mark a development in an investigation into what police have classified as an antisemitic hate crime targeting emergency services serving the Jewish community. 

The attack occurred at around 1:45 a.m. on Monday on Highfield Road, where four Hatzola ambulances were parked near the Machzike Hadath Synagogue. The vehicles were set on fire, with gas canisters inside causing explosions that prompted the evacuation of nearby homes. No injuries were reported.

Damon Hoff, president of the synagogue, said the damage could have been far worse. “The only reason the floors didn’t burn down is because they got there so quickly,” he said, referring to emergency responders. “Surprisingly, the internal damage is very limited.”

Within hours of the attack, efforts were underway to restore emergency services. By Tuesday afternoon, four replacement ambulances provided by the London Ambulance Service arrived at the site, allowing Hatzola to resume operations. The vehicles were delivered at around 1:20 p.m., less than 36 hours after the fire.

Hatzola chairman Shloimie Richman described the incident as the “darkest day” in the organization’s history, as the charity works to recover from the loss of its fleet while maintaining service to the community.

Police said the two suspects were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody while searches continue at both locations. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests followed an intensive investigation.

“We have been working around the clock since this appalling attack took place and this has led to these arrests being made this morning,” she said. “This appears to be an important breakthrough in the investigation, but we’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved.”

Security has been increased across Jewish areas of London following the attack, with additional armed patrols and specialist units deployed. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said the measures are precautionary but intended to reassure the community.

“We know that community concerns remain heightened,” he said, adding that highly visible policing would continue in the coming days.

British leaders and community figures condemned the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “horrific antisemitic attack,” while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis described it as “a particularly sickening assault.” The Israeli embassy in London said the incident reflected years of tolerated incitement, stating, “Enough is enough.”

Authorities are also examining an online claim of responsibility by a group identified in some reports as Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, believed to have links to Iran. Officials have not confirmed the claim, and police say establishing its credibility remains part of the ongoing investigation. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley has warned more broadly of a “grave” rise in Iranian-linked threats, though no direct connection to this attack has been established.

The investigation remains active as police work to identify and arrest additional suspects, even as emergency services in Golders Green have resumed operations following the rapid deployment of replacement ambulances.