UK police have charged a fourth suspect in connection with an attack on Jewish community ambulances in London, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The individual, identified as a 22-year-old man from the Wembley area, was arrested following a police investigation into an incident earlier this month in which two ambulances operated by the Jewish voluntary emergency service Hatzolah were targeted with incendiary devices. The attack occurred on April 12 in the Finchley area of north London, where witnesses reported seeing two vehicles set alight outside a Hatzolah station. Emergency services responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames before they could spread to nearby buildings. No injuries were reported, but the incident prompted an immediate police response and the launch of a counter-terrorism investigation due to the nature of the target and the suspected motive. Investigators linked the attack to a broader pattern of incidents targeting Jewish and Iranian diaspora institutions in the UK. In a statement released alongside the charge, the Metropolitan Police said the suspect is also believed to be connected to an attempted arson at the Finchley synagogue on April 10 and a separate incident at the offices of Iran International, a Persian-language news channel based in Wembley, on April 11. All three incidents are being treated as part of a coordinated inquiry. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s name pending further legal proceedings, but confirmed he is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday. He faces charges of arson endangering life, possession of an article with intent to destroy or damage property and two counts of attempting to commit arson. The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from the areas surrounding each incident and have appealed for dashcam or mobile phone recordings that may assist in identifying any additional individuals involved. Community leaders from both the Jewish and Iranian diaspora groups condemned the attacks, calling them deliberate attempts to sow fear and division. Representatives from Hatzolah said the volunteers continue to operate despite the incident, while Iran International reiterated its commitment to independent reporting amid what it described as a campaign of intimidation. No group has officially claimed responsibility for the incidents. However, investigators are examining potential links to pro-Iranian factions operating in Europe, particularly in light of recent heightened tensions between Iran and Western governments over regional security issues. Police have stated that while no direct state involvement is suspected, they are assessing whether the suspect acted under the influence or direction of external networks. The case is being handled by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, which has coordinated with local borough units and intelligence partners. Legal proceedings are expected to proceed under UK terrorism legislation, though officials have not yet confirmed whether terror-related charges will be formally added. As the suspect awaits court appearance, police have maintained a visible presence at key locations in Finchley and Wembley, including places of worship and community centres, to provide reassurance and deter further incidents. The investigation continues, with no indication of when additional arrests might be made.
