Statement on antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green

Below is a transcript of an oral statement delivered by Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams this morning following an incident in Golders Green overnight.

"Good morning, I am Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams and I lead policing in north west London, including here in Golders Green.

"I want to provide an update on a shocking incident overnight and the progress of the police investigation.

"At around 01:45hrs today we were called by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire on Highfield Road, Golders Green.

"We attended the scene where four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service run by members of the Jewish community, were on fire. The attack occurred in the car park of a local Synagogue, where Hatzola’s vehicles for this area are based.

"Explosions were heard as oxygen canisters on board the ambulances exploded.

"Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, with 34 residents displaced, and road closures put in place. Thankfully no injuries were reported and all of the fires were safely put out.

"Four ambulances have been destroyed but we understand the service remains fully operational and able to respond to emergencies.

"We were able to get local residents back into their homes relatively quickly and I thank them for their patience and understanding.

"This arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. This is a devastating incident for our Jewish communities and we have launched an immediate investigation to identify those responsible.

"Our officers remain on scene to carry out urgent enquiries and to gather CCTV footage and other evidence.

"We believe we are looking for three suspects at this early stage. CCTV footage appears to show three people in hoods pouring an accelerant onto the vehicles before igniting them and fleeing.

"While this has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage, the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing with all the specialist expertise they bring, and all lines of enquiry remain open.

"We are aware of an online claim from a group taking responsibility for this attack. Establishing the authenticity and accuracy of this claim will be a priority for the investigation team, but it is not something we can confirm at this point.

"There have been no arrests at this early stage, and we would urge anyone with information to please contact us as soon as possible - you can do so anonymously if you wish.

"We have already spoken to local community and faith leaders and will continue that work today. A specific policing plan focussed on key community locations across the area is underway and will continue beyond the coming days as we move towards Passover in early April.

"This attack comes at a time when fears are already heightened given global events and recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in other parts of Europe.

"The Met Police stands shoulder to shoulder with our partners and communities. Together we take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.

"We are stepping up our support to Jewish communities across London to engage, offer reassurance and take practical action to protect people and property.

"If you have any information about what happened in Golders Green please come forward and call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of 23 March. To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."