Three Charged Following Arson on Jewish Charity Ambulances
Three individuals have been formally charged after four ambulances owned by a Jewish charity were deliberately set on fire in north London last month, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The Hatzola ambulances were ignited in the car park of a synagogue located in Golders Green during the early hours of 23 March.
The suspects include two British men, Hamza Iqbal, aged 20, and Rehan Khan, aged 19, as well as a 17-year-old boy holding dual British-Pakistani nationality. All three have been charged with arson with intent to damage property and with recklessness as to whether life would be endangered.
They were apprehended on Wednesday at three separate properties in east London as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected attack, the Metropolitan Police stated.
Iqbal and Khan, both residents of Leyton, along with the 17-year-old from Walthamstow—who cannot be named for legal reasons—are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
While counter-terrorism police are leading the inquiry, the Metropolitan Police clarified that the incident has not been officially classified as terrorism at this point.
Investigation and Community Response
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, commented on the investigation:
"Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible."
She also highlighted the remarkable support received from the local community since the incident occurred:
"The support from the local community since the attack took place had been incredible."
The ambulances targeted belong to Hatzola, a volunteer-led Jewish organisation that provides medical assistance to patients regardless of their faith.
Following the attack, police have increased patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations to enhance security and community reassurance.
