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Four Plead Guilty Over Arson Attack That Torched Hatzola Ambulances

Prosecutors will argue the attack had a terrorist link and sentencing will follow a trial of the remaining defendant next year.

Overview

  • The attack took place on March 23 when four Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green were set on fire, causing more than £1 million in damage.
  • As of August 28, three teenagers and one man have pleaded guilty to arson while a fifth defendant denies assisting and will face trial next year.
  • Investigators used phone records, CCTV, ANPR and ULEZ data plus recovered messages to trace a blue Toyota Avensis and link suspects to the scene.
  • Oxygen tanks inside three ambulances exploded, damaging a nearby synagogue and a block of flats and disrupting the volunteer emergency service.
  • Counter-Terrorism Policing continues to lead the inquiry and the Crown will argue a terrorist connection at sentencing, raising concerns about attacks on minority emergency services and the role of online tools in planning violence.