Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack
Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed another individual was detained in relation to the recent arson incident targeting Jewish charity ambulances in north London. This suspect was apprehended at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, as police escorted a man from the premises. The court was informed that four people were involved in the attack, with three already charged appearing in court that morning. These three—Hamza Iqbal, 20; Rehan Khan, 19; and a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage—were remanded in custody after being charged with property damage through arson and potential endangerment of life.
The ambulances belonging to Hatzola were torched in the synagogue car park of Golders Green on 23 March, causing damage valued at nearly £1 million. Prosecutors highlighted the attack as a “premeditated and targeted strike against the Jewish community.” All three suspects wore grey tracksuits during their court appearance and provided only their names and addresses. Family members of the accused were present in the courtroom. Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, were arrested earlier this week at three east London locations. A second pair of men, aged 45 and 47, were detained last week and released on bail until late April.
“Since the attack, we’ve worked non-stop to identify those responsible,” said Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. She praised the local community’s support, calling it “incredible.” Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, noted increased police patrols in Jewish-populated areas. “These measures are precautionary, not reactive to a specific threat,” he emphasized, stressing ongoing concerns during the Passover festival period.
Authorities are still investigating whether an Iranian-backed group linked to the incident was involved. The Metropolitan Police stated the event “has not been declared as terrorism” yet. The three charged individuals are set to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 April for further proceedings.
