United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has condemned as horrifying an antisemitic Jewish charity arson attack in Golders Green. He vowed that the government would fight the poison that is antisemitism.
Jewish charity arson: Four ambulances set ablaze in London attack
The prime minister’s remarks came after four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity went up in flames on Monday. Counter-terrorism officers have taken charge of the investigation, though authorities have not yet classified the incident as terrorism.
“I have been in touch with Jewish community leaders this morning and will continue to do so throughout the day. An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all,” Starmer said.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after fire crews responded to reports of a blaze on Highfield Road. Officers arrived to find four vehicles operated by the Jewish Community Ambulance Service, known as Hatzalah, engulfed in flames.
The antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green is horrifying.
I’ve been in touch with Jewish community leaders this morning and will continue to do so throughout the day.
An attack on our Jewish community is an attack on us all. We will fight the poison that is antisemitism. pic.twitter.com/el2AqQ7F6a
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 23, 2026
Residents evacuated their homes as a precaution, and road closures remained in place on Monday morning. Police, however, said they are searching for three suspects as Investigators are examining CCTV footage and reviewing online material.
Police hunt suspects as counter-terror officers take over the investigation
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who leads local policing in Barnet, said the force is treating the arson as an antisemitic hate crime.
“We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern and officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries,” Jackson said.
She added that the force is aware of reports of explosions at the scene, which investigators believe were linked to gas canisters stored onboard the ambulances.
She explained that they will be engaging with faith leaders and carrying out additional patrols in the local area. They will also continue their investigation to provide reassurance and a highly visible presence.
Additionally, Starmer shared that sentiment, insisting that antisemitism has no place in society. He added that his thoughts were with the Jewish community, who were waking up to the horrific news.
Meanwhile, UK charities are dealing with the combined effects of reduced government and local funding, slower public donations, and rising costs. These pressures are forcing organisations to prioritise which services to maintain.