Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
Three Individuals Charged in Ambulance Fires Targeting Jewish Charity
Four ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer group Hatzola were torched in north London last week, prompting charges against three individuals. The vehicles were set alight in a synagogue car park in Golders Green on the early morning of 23 March.
Accused in Arson Case
Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both from Leyton, along with a 17-year-old boy holding dual British-Pakistani nationality, face accusations of arson with intent to damage property and reckless endangerment. The trio was apprehended on Wednesday at three separate locations in east London, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.
“The criminal proceedings against these defendants are active, and they have the right to a fair trial,” said Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division.
The suspects are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Counter-terror police are overseeing the investigation, though the Met clarified that the incident has not yet been classified as a terrorist act.
Community Response and Police Actions
Two men, aged 45 and 47, were previously detained in the case and released on bail until late April. Cdr Helen Flanagan, leading Counter Terrorism Policing in London, noted the “incredible” local community support following the attack.
“Since this appalling attack, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” Flanagan added.
Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, who oversees North West London policing, highlighted that heightened police patrols in Jewish-populated areas are precautionary and not linked to a specific threat. “We know local community concerns remain high, especially during the Passover festival period,” he stated.
Volunteer Ambulance Service Under Threat
Hatzola, which provides emergency care without discrimination, saw its vehicles targeted in the attack. The group’s operations continue unaffected, though the incident has raised alarm within the community.
