Further arrests made in Golders Green arson investigation

Three more people have been arrested in connection with a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation into an arson attack on volunteer-led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green.

The three people – [C] a 20-year-old man, [D] a 19 year-old man and [E] a 17-year-old boy – were all arrested early on Wednesday, 1 April at three separate addresses in East London. Officers are also carrying out searches at those locations.

Two of those arrested [C and D] are British nationals and the third [E] is a dual British and Pakistani national. All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and have been taken to a London police station where they remain in police custody.

The arrests are linked to the ongoing investigation into an arson attack at approximately 01:35hrs on Monday, 23 March. Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the Golders Green area of north London, were set on fire during the incident.

Two men [A and B] were previously arrested on Wednesday 25 March, and they have both been released on bail to a date in late-April, pending further enquiries.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation said: “Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

“As I’ve said previously, the support we had from the local community since this attack took place has been incredible, and we will continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe.”

At this stage, the incident has not been declared as terrorism, but due to the circumstances of the incident, along with the specialist capability within CTP, the investigation is being led by detectives from CTP London.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London said: “We know local community concern continues to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities as they now enter the Passover festival period. Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London. This has involved a significant number of officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime. This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and weeks and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers. It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.

“As I’ve said before, these are precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation. We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of 23 March. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.