Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack
Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack
On Saturday, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the arrest of a fourth person linked to the recent arson incident targeting ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in north London. The suspect was taken into custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where authorities detailed the involvement of four individuals in the attack. Three of the accused, who appeared in court that morning, were remanded in custody for further proceedings.
Arrest Details
The three charged individuals—Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage—face charges of property damage through arson and endangering lives. All were dressed in grey tracksuits during their court appearance and provided only their names and addresses. Family members of the suspects were present, adding to the emotional weight of the event.
The ambulances were set ablaze in the synagogue’s car park in Golders Green on 23 March, causing damage estimated at almost £1 million. Prosecutors emphasized that the attack was “premeditated and targeted,” aiming to harm the Jewish community. Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, and the unnamed minor from Walthamstow were arrested on Wednesday at three separate east London locations.
Investigation Update
“Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible,” said Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. She highlighted the community’s “incredible” support following the incident.
Two men, aged 45 and 47, were also detained earlier in the week but released on bail pending further inquiry. The Metropolitan Police stated that the case remains under review for potential connections to an Iranian-backed group that claimed responsibility. Counter-terror officers are leading the probe, though the incident has not yet been classified as terrorism.
Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, noted that increased patrols in Jewish communities are precautionary. “We know that local concerns remain high—especially during the Passover festival period,” he added. The three charged individuals are set to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 April.