Fourth suspect arrested after Jewish charity ambulance arson attack

Authorities have apprehended a fourth individual suspected of involvement in the recent arson attack targeting Jewish charity ambulances in north London. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), this arrest occurred on Saturday morning at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where police were seen escorting a man from the premises. It has been revealed that four suspects participated in the incident.

Earlier today, three of the accused appeared in court and were remanded in custody. The group consists of two British nationals, Hamza Iqbal, aged 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, alongside a 17-year-old boy holding dual British-Pakistani citizenship. All face charges of arson with intent to damage property and acting recklessly as to whether life would be endangered.

The attack took place on 23 March in the Golders Green neighborhood, where Hatzola ambulances were deliberately set on fire in a synagogue car park. The resulting destruction is estimated to have caused damage approaching £1 million. Courts were informed that strong evidence indicates the incident was a deliberate and targeted act against the Jewish community.

The suspects, who appeared in grey tracksuits, confirmed only their names and addresses during the hearing. Iqbal and Khan come from Leyton, while the minor is from Walthamstow. They were detained at separate locations across east London last Wednesday. Additionally, two men aged 45 and 47 have previously been arrested on suspicion but remain on bail pending further inquiries. Investigations led by counter-terror units continue to explore potential links to an Iranian-backed group that claimed responsibility for the attack, though Metropolitan Police have stated it has not yet been classified as a terrorism case.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, expressed gratitude for the community’s support since the event, emphasizing ongoing investigative efforts. In response to heightened tensions, police have increased patrols in areas with significant Jewish populations, especially as the Passover festival approaches. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, overseeing policing in North West London, clarified that these measures are precautionary rather than responses to any specific intelligence.

The three charged suspects are scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on 24 April

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