On March 23, 2026, Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams provided an update regarding a serious incident that occurred in Golders Green overnight. The police are currently investigating an arson attack that has been classified as an antisemitic hate crime.
At approximately 01:45 hours, the London Fire Brigade alerted police to a fire on Highfield Road. Emergency responders arrived to find four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer ambulance service operated by members of the Jewish community, engulfed in flames. The vehicles were located in the parking area of a local synagogue.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions as oxygen canisters within the ambulances ignited. In response to the fire, nearby residences were evacuated as a safety measure, displacing 34 residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fires were extinguished without further incident.
Despite the destruction of the four ambulances, authorities confirmed that Hatzola remains fully operational and capable of responding to emergencies. Local residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly after the incident, and Williams expressed gratitude for their understanding during the evacuation.
Williams emphasized the severity of the attack, stating, „This arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. This is a devastating incident for our Jewish communities, and we have launched an immediate investigation to identify those responsible.“ He noted that police officers are still on-site conducting urgent inquiries and collecting CCTV footage and other evidence.
At this preliminary stage, investigators are searching for three suspects. Surveillance footage reportedly shows three individuals wearing hoods pouring an accelerant on the ambulances before igniting them and fleeing the scene.
While the incident has not been classified as a terrorist act at this time, the Counter Terrorism Policing unit is leading the investigation, utilizing their specialized expertise. All potential lines of inquiry remain open.
Williams acknowledged an online claim from a group that purportedly took responsibility for the attack, stating that verifying the authenticity of this claim will be a priority for investigators, although it cannot be confirmed at this moment.
No arrests have been made thus far, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact the police at 101, referencing incident number 415 of March 23, or reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
In light of the incident, police have already engaged with local community and faith leaders and will continue these discussions throughout the day. A specific policing strategy has been implemented, focusing on key community locations, which will extend as the Jewish community approaches the Passover holiday in early April.
Williams noted that this attack occurs amid heightened concerns due to global events and recent assaults on Jewish communities across Europe. He reaffirmed the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to standing alongside partners and communities, stating, „Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.“ The police are enhancing their support for Jewish communities throughout London to provide reassurance and implement protective measures for individuals and properties.
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