British police have arrested two men in connection with the suspected antisemitic arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in north London earlier this week, authorities said on Wednesday.
The men, aged 47 and 45, were taken from addresses in north-west London and central London respectively, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
The arrests were made on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Police said an enhanced presence remained in place around affected communities in north London as a precaution.
Investigation Continues
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, when four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer emergency service, were set ablaze in Golders Green. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.”
No injuries were reported. CCTV footage has suggested at least three people were involved, police said, adding that their investigation is ongoing.
Possible Iran Links
Officers had previously said they were looking into a possible link to Iran over the arson attack. Last week, two men — one a dual Iranian-British national and another an Iranian national — appeared in court charged with spying on Jewish targets for Iran.
Concern has been mounting about rising levels of antisemitism in Britain, while authorities have also warned of the threat posed by Iran, including the surveillance or targeting of Jewish sites. Tehran has denied such accusations.
Community Response
The attack on Hatzola — a volunteer organisation that works alongside the NHS — has drawn widespread condemnation from political and community leaders. The government has pledged to replace the vehicles, and the Board of Deputies of British Jews has called for heightened security measures to protect Jewish communities.
The arrests come amid heightened tensions in the UK following the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Starmer had warned earlier this month that the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran would stoke tensions in Britain.
What Happens Next
The two arrested men remain in custody as police continue their investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether further arrests are expected.
For London’s Jewish community, the attack and the subsequent arrests mark a moment of both relief and continued vigilance. While the arrests are a step toward accountability, concerns about safety and rising antisemitism remain at the forefront of community concerns.
Based on reporting by Reuters. Additional analysis by The Credibility News.
