Jewish volunteer ambulances set on fire in London investigated as hate crime: Police

The arson attack occurred outside a synagogue in Golders Green on Monday.

ByLeah Sarnoff and Kevin Shalvey
March 23, 2026, 4:15 AM

NEW YORK and LONDON -- The Metropolitan Police in London is investigating an apparent arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community ambulance service, Hatzalah, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Officials said the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

A drone view of four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organization, that were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in London, U.K., on March 23, 2026.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters

No injuries were reported and the fires have been put out, police said. Nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution.

"This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on social media. "My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society."

Police block a road in London, Monday, March 23, 2026, after an apparent arson attack on four vehicles belonging to a Jewish ambulance service, Hatzola Northwest, in London.
Alberto Pezzali/AP

Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson said in a statement that no arrests have been made, but they believe there are three suspects involved.

"We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries," Jackson said. "We are in the process of examining CCTV and are aware of online footage. We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage."

PHOTO: A firefighter works at the scene after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organisation, were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, March 23, 2026.
A firefighter works at the scene after four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish community organisation, were set on fire in an incident that the police say is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, in northwest London, Britain, March 23, 2026.
Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Police said there were reports of explosions in the fire, which they said is believed to be linked to gas canisters on the ambulances.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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