UK Government To Fund Replacement Of Torched Hatzola Ambulances
UK Government pledges full funding to replace Hatzola Northwest ambulances destroyed in a suspected "Iran-aligned" antisemitic arson attack in London. Two suspects are in custody as counter-terrorism police investigate the explosions that rocked Golders Green.
The UK government will cover the full cost of replacing four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer emergency service Hatzola Northwest, which were deliberately torched in a suspected antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green, north London.
The attack happened in the early hours of Monday (23 March 2026), at around 1:45am on Highfield Road. Four Hatzola ambulances parked in a car park near the Machzikei Hadat synagogue were set alight by suspects who poured accelerant on the vehicles before fleeing. Oxygen and gas cylinders on board caused multiple explosions, shattering windows in nearby homes and prompting precautionary evacuations. No one was injured.
Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as an antisemitic hate crime. The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers, who are also examining a possible claim of responsibility from an Iran-aligned group. CCTV footage shows at least three hooded suspects involved.
Police update today (25 March):
Two men, aged 47 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. One was detained in northwest London and the other in central London. Searches are ongoing at both addresses. The force described the arrests as an “important breakthrough” but stressed the investigation remains active, as they believe at least three people were involved.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting responded immediately, announcing that the government will fully fund permanent replacement ambulances so the Jewish community does not have to pay. He said: “The Jewish community should not be left footing the bill for this appalling attack on a brilliant ambulance service.”
To prevent any gap in service, the London Ambulance Service provided four loaner ambulances, which were delivered to Hatzola Northwest on Tuesday afternoon. LAS crews have also been supporting the charity’s volunteers on call-outs.
Hatzola Northwest is a volunteer-run, non-profit charity established in 1979. It provides rapid-response emergency medical care and patient transport 24/7, primarily serving the large Jewish community in northwest London but available to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It works in close partnership with the NHS and London Ambulance Service.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “horrific” and has met with Jewish community leaders. The Chief Rabbi and other politicians have expressed solidarity, with many highlighting rising antisemitic incidents in the UK.
In the wake of the attack, the Jewish community and supporters have already raised well over £1 million in emergency donations for Hatzola Northwest.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, said: “We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved.”
Hatzola Northwest has confirmed its emergency services remain fully operational thanks to the loan vehicles and continued volunteer response.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them.