Two arrested after arson attack on Jewish ambulances in London

British police have arrested two men following an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer organisation Hatzolah in north London. The incident, which took place on Monday, is being investigated by counter-terrorism officers as a suspected anti-Semitic hate crime.

The attack took place in the Golders Green area near a synagogue. The London Fire Brigade deployed six fire engines and 40 firefighters to tackle the blaze. A number of cylinders exploded during the fire, which also caused damage to a neighbouring apartment block. No injuries were reported.

According to SITE Intelligence, a transnational militant group with alleged links to Iran has claimed responsibility. The group is also believed to be behind similar incidents in other European countries.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as 'deeply shocking', adding that anti-Semitism has no place in society. The Israeli embassy in London called for a full investigation and decisive action.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced that police patrols in the area would be stepped up. The attack comes amid a broader rise in incidents targeting Jewish communities since 2023.

(reuters, max)