The suspected arson attack took place in London early on Monday, with residents reporting explosions in the suburb of Golders Green, an area that is home to a large Jewish population and a voluntary organization that provides transport services to Jewish people to hospitals.
Details are scarce at this time. However, police have described the suspected attack as “anti-Semitic” and are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Here’s what we know so far
According to a BBC report, a local resident heard an “explosion” shortly after 1.30am GMT, claiming four ambulances had been set on fire.
“We were all woken up by … arsonists targeting ambulances in our community,” one resident said.
The BBC also reported that firefighters from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) are at the scene and efforts are underway to deal with the incident.
The Metropolitan Police are also investigating the incident and officers have confirmed that four ambulances were set on fire.
“An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance Service were set on fire in Golders Green,” the Metropolitan Police said, as quoted by Reuters.
“Police officers remain on the scene and the arson attack is being treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime,” the police added.
The Golders Green area has had a large Jewish population since 1979 and is home to the non-profit organization Hatzolah, a volunteer organization that provides medical emergency and hospital transport services to Jews.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)
