The men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested this morning by detectives investigating the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances on Monday

A crowd of people gathering in the dark alongside emergency services with a blue light in the background — The scene of Monday’s attack in Golders Green – (Credit – Anna Mahtani)

Two men have been arrested this morning in connection with the arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green on Monday.

The men, aged 47 and 45, were arrested at addresses in north west London and central London on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They have been taken to a London police station and police are carrying searches of the two addresses.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation said: “We have been working around the clock since this appalling attack took place and this has led to these arrests being made this morning.

“This appears to be an important breakthrough in the investigation, but we’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved. We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved.

She added: “I’d like to thank the public and particularly the local Jewish community in the area for their continued support and reiterate our appeal to anyone who might have information that could assist with the investigation to get in touch with us.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said: “We know that community concerns remain heightened and I want to reassure the community that an enhanced, bespoke policing plan and activity, which is particularly focused around vulnerable areas right across London, will continue over coming days and weeks.

“This includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers to help protect certain locations and will also involve highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm. I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism policing to support their investigation.

He added: “We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”

The arson has received widespread condemnation from political leaders both nationally and locally.

In a statement on Monday, Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings condemned the attack. He said: “We are deeply shocked and appalled by this antisemitic attack in the heart of our Jewish community.

“The deliberate targeting of Hatzola’s volunteer ambulances, in what the police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. We will do everything in our power to support the Police to bring those responsible to justice.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected – the volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives and to our wider community who will feel understandably shaken and distressed by this attack.

“Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated in our borough. An attack on one part of our community is an attack on us all. We stand in full solidarity with our Jewish residents and with all the other communities who make up Golders Green and who are feeling vulnerable today as a result of this cowardly act.

“Thank you to the London Fire Brigade and the police who have been dealing with the incident and to my Barnet Council colleagues who have been working throughout the early hours as part of the response to this incident. We are now focused on working closely with the Police and our community partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

Cllr Shimon Ryde, a Hendon ward councillor who lives nearby and was at the scene of the attack shortly after it happened, said on Monday: “last night’s attack in the centre of Golders Green, a stone’s throw off the main road, by three men who were able to approach unchallenged proves that whatever security is currently in place it is not enough.”

He added: “It is time for the government to properly provide the visible reassurance and security needed for the North West London Jewish Community, allowing us to celebrate Passover without being slaves to the constant fear and danger we currently live under.”

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