Fourth Charged in Golders Green Ambulance Arson, 2026

Key Points

• A fourth individual has been charged following the arson attack on four ambulances belonging to the Jewish volunteer service Hatzola in Golders Green, north-west London.
• The incident occurred in the early hours of 23 March 2026, with fires causing explosions from gas canisters inside the vehicles.
• Previously charged suspects include Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, all facing arson with intent to damage property and recklessness as to whether life would be endangered.
• The fourth person, an 18-year-old man, is authorised for charges by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and expected to appear in court.
• Police are treating the attack as an antisemitic hate crime, with counter-terrorism officers involved in the investigation.
• The destruction is estimated at nearly £1 million, affecting ambulances parked at a synagogue car park.
• No injuries were reported, but nearby windows were shattered due to explosions; CCTV footage shows three suspects in black clothing.

Fourth Person Charged (North London News) April 18, 2026 – A fourth individual faces charges in connection with the arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, north-west London. The suspect is due in court later today, as confirmed by multiple reports on the ongoing police investigation.

Who Has Been Charged in the Golders Green Ambulance Arson?

Golders Green, a area in north-west London known for its Jewish community, saw four Hatzola ambulances torched on 23 March 2026. As reported by the Crown Prosecution Service in their statement on further charges, an 18-year-old man has been authorised for prosecution following the incident.

This comes after three others—Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy—were charged earlier with arson with intent to damage property and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

Frank Ferguson, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated:

“We have decided to authorise a further charge in relation to an 18-year-old man, following an incident where four ambulances were set on fire in north London”.

The CPS had previously noted on the initial charges:

“Hamza Iqbal, 20, Rehan Khan, 19, and a 17-year-old boy, have each been charged with arson with intent to damage property and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. The charges relate to ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, which were set on fire in the Golders Green area in the early hours of Monday, 23 March”.

What Happened During the Ambulance Fires in Golders Green?

The fires broke out at around 0140 GMT on 23 March 2026, in a car park at a synagogue in Golders Green. According to the Metropolitan Police, as cited by Tribune,

“An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service were set on fire in Golders Green. Officers remain on scene, and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime”.

The ambulances belonged to Hatzola, a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that responds to medical emergencies in the Jewish community.

The London Fire Brigade dispatched six fire engines and 40 firefighters to the scene. Explosions occurred due to gas canisters inside the vehicles, shattering windows in nearby buildings, as detailed in BBC reporting:

“In the early hours of Monday, four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire in Golders Green, resulting in multiple explosions due to gas canisters located inside the vehicles”.

No injuries were reported.

CCTV footage captured three individuals clad in black igniting one of the ambulances, according to police statements referenced by BBC:

“Police say they are looking for three suspects after the Hatzola ambulances were set on fire”.

A fourth suspect, a 19-year-old man recognised by officers, was arrested at court on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger lives.

Why Is This Being Treated as an Antisemitic Hate Crime?

The Metropolitan Police classified the incident as an antisemitic hate crime from the outset. Counter-terrorism officers were assigned to the investigation, as noted in BBC coverage:

“An arson attack targeting ambulances owned by a Jewish charity in North London is being investigated as an antisemitic hate crime, according to the Metropolitan Police, which has assigned counter-terrorism officers to the case”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as “a deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack,” according to NBC News. Golders Green is noted for its synagogues, Jewish schools, and eateries, making the targeting of Hatzola vehicles significant. The Times of Israel reported on the arrests, stating:

“Three young men were charged with arson and a fourth person was arrested for burning four ambulances run by the Jewish medical charity Hatzolah in north London”.

When and Where Did the Police Make the Arrests and Charges?

The initial three charges were authorised by the CPS on 2 April 2026. The fourth charge followed, with the CPS announcement on 16 April 2026. A fourth suspect was arrested on 4 April 2026, as per BBC:

“A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the arson attack on Jewish charity-owned ambulances in north London last week”.

The 19-year-old was taken into custody after recognition at court.

The fourth charged person is expected to appear in court later on 18 April 2026, according to MFR News:

“A fourth person charged after four Jewish community ambulances were torched in north-west London is expected to appear in court later on Saturday”.

How Much Damage Was Caused by the Golders Green Fires?

Court proceedings revealed the destruction amounted to nearly £1 million, as informed during hearings related to the incident. The fires completely destroyed the four Hatzola Northwest ambulances, with gas cylinder explosions causing additional damage to surrounding structures.

What Is Hatzola and Its Role in the Community?

Hatzola is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit ambulance service providing rapid response to medical emergencies, particularly within Jewish communities. The torched vehicles were from Hatzola Northwest, operating in the Golders Green area.

Background of the Development

The arson attack on 23 March 2026 marked a significant incident in a series of reported antisemitic events in the UK. Hatzola has operated as a vital emergency service for decades, with volunteers responding to thousands of calls annually. The Golders Green location, home to a large Orthodox Jewish population, has seen increased police patrols following prior hate incidents.

The CPS involvement underscores the seriousness, with Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division oversight. Initial media coverage from 23 March highlighted the immediate response, evolving to arrests by early April and the fourth charge by mid-April 2026.

Prediction: Impact on the Jewish Community in North-West London

This development can affect the Jewish community in north-west London by heightening security measures around community assets like synagogues and volunteer services. Hatzola operations may face temporary disruptions, requiring alternative vehicles and potentially straining volunteer resources.

Increased police presence could provide reassurance but also signal ongoing vulnerability, prompting community members to adjust daily routines. Local residents might experience more visible counter-terrorism activity, influencing perceptions of safety in areas like Golders Green. Emergency response times could be impacted until replacements are secured, directly concerning those reliant on Hatzola’s services.