Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the “antisemitic arson attack” is “deeply shocking”.
LONDON — Police launched an investigation Monday after four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community ambulance service were set on fire in north London.
The Metropolitan Police were called to Golders Green, where there is a large Jewish community, early Monday after four Hatzalah ambulances were set alight.
In a statement the Met said the arson attack is being treated as an “antisemitic hate crime.”
Keir Starmer condemned the “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”
Writing on X, the British prime minister said: “My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed Starmer’s comments calling the event a “sickening attack on Jewish ambulances.” He urged the public to “stand together against antisemitic hatred.”
No injuries were reported and the fires have since been put out, but nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution.
Explosions linked to the attack were also reported. The Met said it believes those were linked to gas canisters on the ambulances.
The attack comes months after two people were killed in a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue last October.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson said police are looking for three suspects.
“We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries,” she added.