Counter-terrorism investigators have charged three suspects with arson following the firebombing of four volunteer ambulances outside a north-west London synagogue in what authorities are treating as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.
Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, both British nationals from Leyton, alongside a 17-year-old dual British-Pakistani national from Walthamstow face charges of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered when they appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: “Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court.”
The trio were arrested on Wednesday following the early hours attack on 23 March that saw hooded figures captured on CCTV apparently pouring accelerant on Hatzola ambulances parked outside the Mchzike Hadath synagogue on Highfield Road before igniting them at approximately 1.45am.
Gas canisters stored in the volunteer-run emergency medical vehicles exploded during the blaze, shattering windows in a nearby block of flats and damaging the historic European synagogue’s roof and stained glass whilst prompting precautionary evacuations of neighbouring homes. Six fire engines carrying 40 firefighters responded to extinguish the flames.
Metropolitan Police previously arrested two additional suspects—British nationals aged 47 and 45—who were released on bail following detention on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Investigators are examining potential links to Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, a suspected Iran-backed group that claimed responsibility through a Telegram video featuring mapping of the ambulance location alongside footage of the vehicles burning.
Police have not formally declared the incident terrorism “at this stage” though counter-terrorism detectives are leading the investigation given the circumstances and potential international connections.
The Metropolitan Police deployed 264 additional officers alongside specialist firearms teams, mounted units and drones to bolster security for Jewish communities approaching Passover following the attack.
Det Chief Supt Luke Williams confirmed enhanced policing plans remain active across Golders Green and wider London, describing them as “precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the “deeply shocking” attack, stating: “Antisemitism has no place in our society. Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.”
Hatzola, founded in 1979, provides free emergency medical response and hospital transportation through volunteer staff. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced London Ambulance Service would replace the destroyed vehicles.
