Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
Four ambulances operated by the Jewish volunteer organization Hatzola were torched in north London during the early hours of 23 March, prompting authorities to charge three individuals. The vehicles were ignited in the parking area of a synagogue located in Golders Green.
The accused include Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both residents of Leyton, along with a 17-year-old boy who holds dual British-Pakistani nationality. They face allegations of arson with intent to destroy property and reckless endangerment. The Metropolitan Police confirmed their arrest at three separate locations in east London as part of an ongoing inquiry.
The suspects are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Counter-terror units are overseeing the investigation, though the Met stated the incident has not been classified as a terrorist act. Frank Ferguson, representing the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, noted the “criminal proceedings against these defendants are active” and affirmed their right to a fair trial.
“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.
Two men, aged 45 and 47, were previously detained in connection with the case and released on bail until late April. Flanagan highlighted the “incredible” local community support following the attack. Hatzola, which provides care irrespective of religious background, has been a focal point of the investigation.
Police patrols have increased in areas with significant Jewish populations since the incident. Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, responsible for North West London policing, emphasized that the additional officers are “precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat.” He also noted heightened concerns within the community, particularly during the Passover festival period.