United Kingdom police charged three suspects in an arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to Jewish volunteer organization Hatzalah in Golders Green, London, the Metropolitan Police announced on Friday.
Two British nationals, 20-year-old Hamza Iqbal and 19-year-old Rehan Khan, and one unnamed 17-year-old British-Pakistani dual citizen were charged with “arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered,” bringing the total of individuals arrested for the attack up to five.
Two previously arrested suspects were arrested on March 25, but were released on bail.
According to the Metropolitan Police, all three were arrested on Wednesday at different locations in East London. UK counterterrorism officers then searched the addresses at which they were arrested.
The three are due to appear in court on Saturday.
UK police vow enhanced policing to deter threats
Metropolitan Police’s Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams acknowledged the UK Jewish communities' safety concerns and unease following the attack, vowing that local law enforcement has implemented an “enhanced, bespoke policing plan… focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.”
Williams stated that local officers will be supported by specialist officers and “highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.”
“These are precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat,” Williams explained, adding, “We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London and leader of the arson investigation, Commander Helen Flanagan, clarified that the arson has not been declared an act of terrorism, but will be investigated by counterterrorism detectives.
Flanagan expressed gratitude to the local community for their “incredible” support since the attack occurred and vowed to “continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe.”