Fourth suspect arrested over Jewish charity ambulance arson attack

Fourth Suspect Arrested in Jewish Charity Ambulance Fire Attack

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that a fourth person has been apprehended in relation to the recent arson incident targeting ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in north London. This arrest occurred at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where a man was seen exiting the building with police officers.

Three Suspects Charged with Property Damage and Recklessness

Authorities indicated that four individuals were involved in the attack. Three of them appeared at the court this morning and were subsequently held in custody. These include two British men, Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, as well as a 17-year-old boy with British-Pakistani heritage. All have been charged with arson, intent to harm property, and endangering lives through reckless actions.

Attack Details and Community Impact

The ambulances belonging to Hatzola were torched in a synagogue car park in Golders Green on 23 March. The damage amounted to nearly £1 million, and the court was informed that the act was a deliberate strike against the Jewish community. The suspects in the dock were dressed in grey tracksuits and provided only their names and addresses when questioned.

“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.

Several family members of the accused were present during the proceedings. Iqbal and Khan are from Leyton, while the unnamed 17-year-old is from Walthamstow. The three were arrested at three separate locations in east London. Previously, two men aged 45 and 47 were detained in connection with the case but released on bail until late April.

Investigations are ongoing to determine if an Iranian-backed group linked to the incident was involved. Counter-terror police lead the inquiry, though the Metropolitan Police stated the event has not yet been classified as a terrorist act. Det Ch Sup Luke Williams highlighted that increased patrols in Jewish-populated areas are precautionary, not in reaction to a specific threat.

“We know that local community concerns continue to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities during the Passover festival period,” Williams added.

The three individuals charged are set to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 April for further legal proceedings.