Three more people have been arrested in connection with the arson attack in Golders Green last week which saw four Jewish community ambulances set on fire.
Two British men, aged 19 and 20, and a 17-year-old boy with dual British and Pakistani nationality were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said.
All were arrested on Wednesday at three separate addresses in east London, which were searched by police.
They were taken to a police station in the capital and remain in custody.
The incident is being investigated as an anti-Semitic hate crime by Counter Terror Policing, although it has not been declared a terror attack.
Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service operating in Golders Green, were set on fire at about 1.35am last Monday.
Two other men were arrested last Wednesday and have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, which is leading the investigation, said: “Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. We know concern among the Jewish community remains high, but I hope these arrests show that we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“As I’ve said previously, the support we had from the local community since this attack took place has been incredible, and we will continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to do everything we can to keep the public safe.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in North West London, said: “We know local community concern continues to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities as they now enter the Passover festival period.
“Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.
“This has involved a significant number of officers on the ground, with the aim of protecting communities, disrupting offenders, and detecting crime. This activity is ongoing and will continue over the coming days and weeks and includes specialist officers and capability being deployed alongside local officers. It is also being supported by highly visible armed police patrols to serve as a deterrent to anyone seeking to cause our communities harm.
“As I’ve said before, these are precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat, and we continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation. We will also continue to work closely with local communities and our partners to listen to their concerns and respond to these.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation can call police on 101 providing the reference 415 of 23 March. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
