A sixth suspect has been apprehended in connection with a devastating arson attack targeting volunteer-led ambulances operated by the Jewish community in Golders Green, following a dramatic courtroom recognition by Metropolitan Police officers.
Courtroom Arrest Following Recognition
On the morning of Saturday, April 4, 2026, officers at Westminster Magistrates' Court arrested a 19-year-old man during a hearing for three other individuals charged in relation to the same incident. Police reportedly recognized the man in court as someone allegedly involved in the arson attack, leading to his immediate detention.
The suspect was arrested on charges of arson with intent to endanger life and has been taken into custody. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service serving the Golders Green area of north London.
Three Other Suspects Remanded in Custody
Three other individuals appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on the same day, facing charges of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. The defendants include:
- Hamza Iqbal, 20, a British national from Leyton
- Rehan Khan, 19, a British national from Leyton
- A 17-year-old boy of dual British and Pakistani nationality from Walthamstow
All three were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, April 24, 2026. They were initially arrested on Wednesday, April 1, at various locations across east London, with officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London conducting searches at their respective addresses.
Background of the Arson Attack
The arrests and charges stem from an investigation into an arson attack that occurred at approximately 1:35 AM on Monday, March 23, 2026. During the incident, four ambulances from Hatzola were deliberately set on fire, causing significant damage to the vehicles and potentially endangering the community's emergency response capabilities.
Hatzola operates as a volunteer-led ambulance service specifically serving the Jewish community in the Golders Green area, providing crucial medical assistance and emergency response support to local residents.
Additional Suspects Released on Bail
In related developments, two other men were arrested on Wednesday, March 25, in connection with the same investigation. Both individuals have been released on bail pending further enquiries, with their bail conditions extending until later this month.
The Metropolitan Police continue their investigation into the arson attack, which has raised concerns about community safety and the targeting of essential emergency services. The arrest of the sixth suspect through courtroom recognition demonstrates the ongoing vigilance of law enforcement in pursuing all individuals connected to this serious incident.
