Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack

Fourth Suspect Arrested in Jewish Charity Ambulance Attack

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the arrest of a fourth individual linked to the recent arson incident involving Jewish charity ambulances in north London. The suspect was detained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, with police taking the man into custody shortly after. The court revealed that four people were involved in the attack, though only three have been formally charged so far.

Of the three charged, two British men—Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19—alongside a 17-year-old boy with dual British-Pakistani citizenship, appeared in court. They were remanded in custody after confirming their names and addresses. Family members of the suspects were present during the proceedings. Iqbal and Khan are from Leyton, while the teenager, whose identity is protected legally, is from Walthamstow.

The ambulances belonging to Hatzola were set on fire in the synagogue car park of Golders Green on 23 March. Damage estimated at nearly £1 million was reported. Prosecutors highlighted that the attack was likely “premeditated and targeted” against the Jewish community. The three suspects were dressed in grey tracksuits and gave minimal responses during the hearing.

“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.

Two men, aged 45 and 47, were arrested earlier in the week but released on bail until late April. Investigations are ongoing to determine if an Iranian-backed group, which claimed responsibility, played a role. Counter-terror police lead the inquiry, but the Metropolitan Police stated the incident “has not been declared as terrorism” at this stage.

Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, overseeing North West London policing, noted that increased police patrols in Jewish-populated areas are precautionary. “We know that local community concerns continue to remain high—particularly for our Jewish communities during the Passover festival period,” he added. The three charged suspects will return to court at the Old Bailey on 24 April.