The Metropolitan Police have launched a hate crime investigation after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest—a Jewish volunteer emergency service—were burned in an arson attack in Golders Green, north London, on the morning of Monday, March 23, 2026.
Officers received a call from the London Fire Brigade at around 1:45 a.m. about the fire on Highfield Road; The site is located near the Machzike Hadath Synagogue in an area with a large Jewish community. Four vehicles were engulfed in flames; The blasts—which are believed to have been caused by the explosion of gas/oxygen cylinders mounted on vehicles—shattered windows of nearby houses, prompting evacuations and road closures as a precautionary measure. No one was injured in this incident; The fire was brought under control after the arrival of dozens of firefighters.
The Met Police are treating the incident as an **anti-Jewish hate crime**. Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who is leading local policing, said: “We know this incident is causing significant concern in the community… Officers are at the scene of the immediate investigation.” Police are reviewing CCTV footage (which shows three masked suspects approaching a vehicle and setting it on fire) and online footage and are searching for the three men – no arrests have been made yet. Anyone with information is urged to contact police anonymously.
Jackson confirmed increased patrols and establishing contacts with religious leaders to reassure people clearly and ensure safety. The attack has been condemned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer (“an absolutely shocking anti-Semitic arson attack”), the Mayor of London and the Chief Rabbi, highlighting the anguish in the community.
Hatzolah Northwest provides rapid medical aid, which is often vital in Jewish-dominated areas. The arson underscores growing fears of anti-Semitism amid global tensions. The investigation is ongoing to identify the motive and suspects.
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