United Kingdom police charged four suspects in an arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to Jewish volunteer organization Hatzola in Golders Green, London, the Metropolitan Police announced.
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 on Friday with “arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.”
A fourth suspect was arrested on Saturday, with the Metropolitan Police saying that the fourth suspect was a 19-year-old man who had been arrested by officers at the court while attending the hearing, after officers recognized him as being linked to the attack. He was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and taken into custody.
Two previously arrested suspects were arrested on March 25, but were released on bail.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the first three were arrested on Wednesday at different locations in East London. UK counterterrorism officers then searched the addresses at which they were arrested.
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.”
Reuters contributed to this report.