Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

Arrests were made on Wednesday following the arson of four ambulances run by a Jewish volunteer organization in north London. The vehicles, belonging to Hatzola, were torched in the car park of a synagogue in Golders Green on 23 March. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that three individuals—Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage—have been charged with arson and endangering lives through recklessness.

The suspects, Iqbal and Khan from Leyton, along with the teenager from Walthamstow, are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Legal restrictions prevent the 17-year-old’s name from being disclosed. Counter-terror units are investigating the incident, though it has not been classified as a terrorist act yet.

“Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” said Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. She highlighted the “incredible” community support shown after the incident.

Earlier, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained in connection with the case but released on bail pending further inquiries. Frank Ferguson, from the Crown Prosecution Service, noted that the “criminal proceedings against these defendants are active” and affirmed their right to a fair trial.

Following the fires, police have increased patrols in Jewish communities, especially during the Passover festival. Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, clarified that the extra officers are precautionary and not due to any specific threat.

Hatzola, the charity involved, provides medical aid to all regardless of religious belief. The attack has raised concerns about safety in areas with significant Jewish populations, though authorities stress the measures are preventive.