Four Charged in London Ambulance Arson Attack

London, UK - Ekhbary News Agency

Three men and a teenager have appeared at the Old Bailey Crown Court following an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north-west London, Ekhbary News Agency reports. The four vehicles, operated by the charity Hatzola, were set alight in Golders Green on March 23, causing explosions and approximately £1 million in damage to the ambulances and medical equipment. Nearby flats and a synagogue were also affected by the blaze.

Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, Judex Atshatshi, 18, and a 17-year-old boy, whose name cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, attended the preliminary hearing and remain in custody. Prosecutors assert the incident was a targeted attack against the Jewish community. Iqbal, Khan, and the teenager face charges of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, while Atshatshi is charged with arson with intent to damage and being reckless as to life endangerment. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating potential links to other recent attacks on Jewish targets in London and claims of involvement by an Iranian-linked group.