Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires

The Metropolitan Police announced charges against three individuals after four ambulances linked to the Jewish charity Hatzola were set on fire in north London last month. The vehicles were targeted in the car park of a synagogue in Golders Green, specifically on the early morning of 23 March.

The suspects include two British men—Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19—from Leyton, as well as a 17-year-old boy with dual British-Pakistani nationality from Walthamstow. All three were arrested on Wednesday at separate locations across east London, according to the Met. They face accusations of arson with the intent to damage property and negligence regarding potential endangerment of life.

These individuals are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Counter-terror units are overseeing the investigation, but the incident has not yet been classified as a terrorist act. Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, remarked:

“Since this alarming attack, our team has been working non-stop to uncover the perpetrators. The community’s response has been extraordinary, offering immense support during this difficult time.”

Despite the severity of the attack, Hatzola continues its operations as a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to treating patients regardless of religious affiliation. In response, police have intensified patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations to enhance security following the incident.