Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer emergency service were set on fire in London’s Golders Green area early Monday, in what police are treating as a suspected antisemitic hate crime.

According to officials, the incident took place on Highfield Road at around 1.45 am local time. Emergency services were alerted after reports of multiple vehicles on fire.

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CCTV shows suspects setting vehicles ablaze

CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows three individuals approaching one of the ambulances and setting it on fire before fleeing the scene. Videos circulating on social media captured flames engulfing the vehicles, with thick smoke rising across the neighbourhood.

The ambulances belonged to Hatzola Northwest, a volunteer organisation that provides emergency medical response within the Jewish community.

The London Fire Brigade said four vehicles were damaged in the blaze. The fire also triggered explosions from oxygen cylinders inside the ambulances, causing windows to shatter in a nearby residential building. No injuries have been reported so far, according to news agency AP.

Police increase patrols, hunt for suspects

Police Superintendent Sarah Jackson said officers were carrying out urgent enquiries and examining CCTV and online footage to identify the suspects.

“We know this incident will cause a great deal of community concern. Officers remain on scene and we are appealing for information,” she said, adding that additional patrols have been deployed in the area. Authorities are also engaging with local faith leaders to reassure residents, The Guardian reported.

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Shomrim, a neighbourhood watch group, said loud explosions heard during the incident were caused by oxygen tanks inside the vehicles and not by any explosive devices. Some nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Around six fire engines and 40 firefighters were deployed to the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.