Three charged after volunteer Jewish ambulances ‘torched in arson attack’ in London

Three people have been charged after four ambulances run by a Jewish charity in London were torched in an ‘arson attack’ last week.

The emergency service vehicles belonging to Hatzola Northwest’s fleet were firebombed in an antisemitic attack outside a Golders Green synagogue in the early hours of March 23.

Two British nationals – Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19 – and a 17-year-old boy of dual British and Pakistani heritage have been charged with arson and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

All three were arrested at different properties in east London on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, and the 17-year-old boy from Walthamstow, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday.

The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London is leading the investigation, but the Met made clear the incident ‘has not been declared as terrorism’ at this stage.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London said: ‘Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court.’

She also described the local community’s support since the attack as ‘incredible’.

Last week, two men aged 45 and 47 were arrested in connection with the incident, but were released on bail until late April.

There has been an increased police presence in areas with large Jewish populations since the attack.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said: ‘Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.

‘This has involved a significant number of additional officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime.

‘This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers. It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.’

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