Counter-terror cops arrest two British nationals, 47 and 45, in dawn raid after anti-Semitic arson attack on Jewish ambulances
The men, aged 47 and 45, were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning at addresses in north west London and central London.
Counter Terrorism Police have arrested two men in connection with a firebomb attack on a Jewish ambulance service in Golders Green.
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The two men, both UK nationals aged 47 and 45, were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning at addresses in north west London and central London.
Officers detained the pair, who are yet to be identified, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after four ambulances were set alight on Highfield Road in northwest London shortly after 1.35am on Monday.
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Both men have been taken to a London police station where they will be quizzed by Scotland Yard detectives, while their addresses are searched.
The arrests come after volunteer ambulances from Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer-led ambulance service operating in the local area, were set on fire on Monday.
Six fire engines and 40 firefighters rushed to the scene, near the Mchzike Hadath synagogue in Golders Green, to put out the flames. No one was injured.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests were an "important breakthrough", but stressed her officers were still searching for a third suspect believed to be involved in the incident.
"We’re also mindful that CCTV footage of the incident suggests there were at least three people involved.
"We fully recognise the local community will still be concerned and our investigation very much remains active and we will continue to work to identify and seek to arrest all of those who may have been involved," Commander Flanagan said.
An Islamist militant group linked to Iran has claimed responsibility for the attack, but security experts have said there is no evidence to verify the claim.
The blaze is also believed to have caused gas canisters onboard the Hatzola ambulances to explode, with the force of the blast causing windows to break in a nearby block of flats.
The synagogue, which is one of the oldest in Europe, had its roof damaged and stained glass windows smashed in the fire.
Residents were evacuated as a precaution, but no one was hurt in the attack.
In response, armed police have been deployed by the Met to protect Jewish communities across north London.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said these specialist officers will remain in place over the coming days and weeks.
"I must stress that these are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism policing to support their investigation," Detective Williams said.
"We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these."
Sir Keir Starmer condemned the "deeply shocking" attack earlier this week, adding that his "thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news".
The Government has also pledged to fund replacements for the ambulances as well as immediate health support.