(A7) Several ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer rescue organization Hatzolah Northwest were set on fire outside a synagogue in London’s Golders Green neighborhood in the early hours of Monday, in what appears to be an antisemitic attack.

Security camera footage shared with CNN showed three masked individuals approaching an ambulance belonging to Hatzolah Northwest and setting it on fire. The timestamp on the video reads 1:36 a.m. Monday morning, and the location is marked as Machzikei Hadath, matching the name of the adjacent synagogue.

Local resident Charlie Richards told CNN she heard “multiple explosions since 2:00 a.m.” Video filmed by Richards showed a large orange explosion and smoke rising into the sky.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded: “This is a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack. My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news.”

“Antisemitism has no place in our society.”

“Anyone with any information must come forward to the police.”

“We strongly condemn the deliberate anti semitic attack on Hatzola ambulances in NW London. This was not only a criminal act of arson, but a targeted and deeply concerning incident affecting a vital emergency service serving the Jewish community,” Shomrim responded. “Hatzola provides life-saving medical care to all who need it. An attack on these ambulances is an attack on the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of our community.”

“We are working closely with the police and all relevant authorities and assisting with the ongoing investigation.

“There is no place for antisemitism or hate in our society. We stand united and will continue to support and protect our community.

“We thank the police and fire brigade for their swift, professional response and for ensuring the safety of the public. Golders Green Road (A502) will reopen shortly, while a small cordon will remain in place on Highfield Road NW11. Whilst the community may have woken up to this and understandably feel scared, we urge the community to remain calm but vigilant and there is no reason why children should not return to schools as usual.”

Golders Green is home to many synagogues, schools, and kosher restaurants, and is known for its large Jewish community. 

London’s fire services told CNN it was responding to an incident in the Golders Green neighborhood. A spokesperson could not confirm the cause of the incident at this stage, including whether an explosion had occurred.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

London has seen a sharp rise in incidents of antisemitism in recent years. Last month, a bakery in London owned by Jews was vandalized following a pro-Palestinian Arab protest that accused the company of “funding Israel.”

In December, anti-Israel protesters in London targeted an Israeli-owned bakery.

In November, police in London moved an anti-Israel protest away from St. John’s Wood Synagogue after dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the building.

A month prior, a lecture by an Israeli academic at City St. George’s, University of London was disrupted when anti-Israel activists burst into his classroom, shouting accusations and threats.