Jewish ambulance arson case: Pakistani among three charged in London

LONDON: British prosecutors have charged three individuals in connection with a shocking arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London, an incident that has raised serious security concerns.

The attack, which took place in March, is being investigated by counter-terrorism officers, though it has not officially been declared an act of terrorism.

According to authorities, four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer service were set on fire in the early hours of March 23 in the Golders Green area of north-west London.

The vehicles, operated by Hatzola — a volunteer-led emergency service treating patients regardless of faith — were parked near a synagogue when they were targeted. The fire caused gas canisters inside the ambulances to explode, intensifying the damage and raising fears for public safety.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that three suspects — aged 20, 19, and 17 — have been charged.

The accused include Hamza Iqbal (20) and Rehan Khan (19), both British nationals from Leyton, as well as a 17-year-old dual British-Pakistani national from Walthamstow (identity withheld due to legal reasons).

They face charges of arson with intent to damage property and recklessness as to whether life would be endangered.

The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations at three locations in east London and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Although the case is being handled by Counter Terrorism Policing London (CTPL), officials have clarified that the incident has not been formally classified as terrorism at this stage.

Authorities say the investigation remains active, and the accused are entitled to a fair trial.

Earlier, two men aged 45 and 47 were also arrested in connection with the case but were later released on bail until late April pending further inquiries.

The SITE Intelligence Group reported that an Iran-aligned militant collective claimed responsibility for the attack, though this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.

In response to the incident, police have increased patrols in areas with large Jewish populations, particularly during the ongoing Passover period.

Officials say a “significant number of additional officers”, including armed patrols, have been deployed to protect vulnerable communities and deter further threats.

Police leadership has emphasized continued coordination with local communities to ensure safety.

Investigators have also acknowledged the strong support received from the public, pledging to maintain heightened vigilance and security measures across London.