UK counterterrorism police investigate antisemitic arson attack after Iran-linked group claims responsibility

(SeaPRwire) –   Counterterrorism units are spearheading an investigation after four Jewish community ambulances were torched outside a London synagogue early Monday in what is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. in the Golders Green area, where Hatzola ambulances—a volunteer emergency service—were intentionally set on fire in a synagogue parking lot, according to Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams of the Metropolitan Police.

“This arson is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime. It is a devastating event for our Jewish communities,” Williams stated. He noted that while the attack hasn’t been formally designated as terrorism, “the probe is now being directed by Counterterrorism Policing… and all avenues of investigation remain open.”

According to the Jewish Chronicle, a video circulating online shows Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, an Iran-linked organization that has claimed credit for recent strikes on Jewish targets in Belgium and the Netherlands, taking responsibility for the London arson.

Police are investigating potential connections to this newly surfaced group suspected of having ties to Iran. “We are aware of an online claim of responsibility,” Williams said. “Verifying the authenticity and precision of this claim is a priority… but we cannot confirm it at this time.”

Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, told Digital that the incident reflects years of failed policies regarding Iranian activities in Britain. “Successive U.K. administrations have failed to protect the home front. Iranian terror activities have been known for years, yet there have been no major moves to proscribe the IRGC or limit regime-linked entities. This has allowed terrorism to thrive,” he remarked.

He contended that Britain’s attempt to avoid direct confrontation with Iran has only emboldened the regime. “The current strategy regarding the conflict with Iran is unrealistic. The government acts as if Britain isn’t involved, but the Iranian regime has already decided we are a target.”

Joe Truzman, a senior analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, posted on X that the attack might be linked to Ashab al-Yamin, noting the group’s history of targeting Jewish institutions in Europe. He suggested the possibility of their involvement warrants close examination.

Authorities are currently looking for three suspects seen on surveillance footage pouring accelerant on the vehicles. While no injuries occurred, residents in the vicinity were evacuated as a safety measure.

The arson follows a string of violent incidents targeting Jewish communities across Europe lately.

Scott Saunders, CEO of the International March of the Living, described the event as a serious escalation. “The Golders Green arson… represents a dangerous increase in the targeting of Jewish communities,” Saunders said, noting that emergency vehicles were attacked right next to a place of worship.

“These ambulances serve more than just the Jewish community… attacking them is an assault on the entire community they protect,” he added. He observed that since the conflict with Iran started, antisemitic attacks have become more frequent and direct, citing a previous fatal shooting in Manchester as part of this worrying trend.

Dr. Charles Asher Small, founder of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, said the attack is part of a larger pattern.

“This strike against a Jewish target isn’t just random vandalism; it’s the result of a climate where antisemitism has been normalized,” Small said.

“The Iranian regime is at the heart of this, funding and directing networks that see British Jewish institutions as targets,” he added.

British leadership also spoke out against the attack.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “An attack on the Jewish community is an attack on everyone. We will confront the poison of antisemitism.”

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called the act a “sickening assault” on shared societal values.

“Targeting Hatzola… illustrates the struggle between those who cherish life and those who want to destroy it,” he said in a statement dated March 23, 2026.

Police confirmed that no arrests have been made and are asking the public for any relevant information.