Date: 23 March 2026

What happened

In the early hours of the morning, a fire deliberately started in the Golders Green area of north London destroyed four ambulances belonging to a volunteer rescue group. The blasts and flames were reported just after 1:40 AM, waking nearby residents. Fire crews responded with six fire engines and about 40 firefighters. The blaze was brought under control at around 3:00 AM, and some local residents were evacuated as a precaution during the firefighting.

Who owned the ambulances

The vehicles belonged to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer emergency service that operates within the local community. The loss of four vehicles is significant for a volunteer organization that relies on a small fleet to respond quickly to medical emergencies.

Police investigation

The Metropolitan Police Service is treating the incident as a hate crime with an antisemitic motivation. Investigators say CCTV footage appears to show three people with their faces covered approaching one of the ambulances and setting it on fire. Officers have launched a search to identify and locate the three suspects.

Official reaction

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it "deeply shocking" and saying his thoughts were with the local Jewish community after the "horrible news". He reiterated that antisemitism has no place in society and urged anyone with information to contact the police.

Why this matters

Golders Green is home to one of London’s largest Jewish communities. An arson attack on emergency vehicles operated by volunteers does more than damage property. It harms a community resource and increases fear among residents. The police classification of the incident as a hate crime signals a focused investigation and the pursuit of related motives.

  • Four ambulances destroyed by fire
  • Incident occurred around 1:40 AM; fire under control by about 3:00 AM
  • Responding teams: six fire engines and roughly 40 firefighters
  • Vehicles belonged to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer rescue organization
  • CCTV reportedly shows three masked suspects
  • Metropolitan Police treating the case as an antisemitic hate crime
  • Some residents evacuated as a safety measure
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as deeply shocking

The police investigation is ongoing. Authorities have asked the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects.