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Four people in court over Jewish ambulance arson
Four people were charged in connection with an arson attack on four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, London. They attended their first Crown Court appearance at the Old Bailey on April 24, 2026, and were remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing later in the year. Counter-terrorism investigators are examining possible links to other anti-Jewish attacks and potential involvement by an Iranian-linked group.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged anti-Semitic violence and a potential wider pattern of attacks with connections to Jewish targets, prompting security and counter-terrorism scrutiny.
Timeline
5 Events
Counter-terrorism investigation into possible links to other attacks
April 24, 2026
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether the incident is linked to other attacks on targets with Jewish connections in London in recent weeks, including two synagogues in north London and a Jewish business. Detectives are also examining claims that the attacks were carried out on behalf of an Iranian-linked group that has posted videos online about the incidents.
Plea hearing scheduled for 28 August 2026
April 24, 2026
A plea hearing was scheduled for 28 August 2026; the defendants remain remanded in custody pending that hearing.
First Crown Court appearance at the Old Bailey
April 24, 2026
Hamza Iqbal (20), Rehan Khan (19), Judex Atshatshi (18), and a 17-year-old boy attended their first Crown Court appearance at the Old Bailey. They were remanded in custody until a plea hearing on 28 August 2026.
Another 18-year-old arrested in connection with the attack
March 23, 2026
An 18-year-old man was arrested on the same day on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life and was later released on bail until July 2026.
Arson attack on Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green
March 23, 2026
Four fully stocked ambulances operated by the charity Hatzola were set alight in the early hours of March 23, 2026, in Golders Green. Three people allegedly started the fire while a fourth waited in a blue Toyota Avensis. The blaze caused about £1 million of damage to the ambulances and medical equipment, and nearby flats and a synagogue were affected.