London, March 22 (NationPress) Four ambulances associated with a Jewish community emergency service were intentionally set on fire in Golders Green, a northern district of London. Local authorities are investigating this act as a potential antisemitic hate crime, according to reports from regional media.

Metropolitan Police officers responded to the scene on Highfield Road at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Monday (local time) after receiving fire reports. The incident is being actively probed as a targeted hate crime, as noted by The Guardian.

The London Fire Brigade dispatched six fire engines and nearly 40 firefighters to manage the fire, which resulted in significant damage to the four ambulances.

Officials indicated that during the blaze, several oxygen cylinders inside the ambulances exploded, causing windows in a nearby residential building to shatter. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, in charge of policing the area, stated, "We recognize this incident will raise considerable community concern, and our officers remain on site to conduct urgent inquiries."

"We are currently reviewing CCTV footage and are aware of online videos. At this early stage, we believe we are searching for three suspects," Jackson told The Guardian.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and we encourage anyone with relevant information to reach out to us promptly; anonymous tips are welcome," she added.

Jackson also emphasized that police presence in the area will be increased.

"We will engage with local faith leaders and enhance patrols while we continue our investigation to reassure the community and maintain a visible police presence," she remarked.

The local neighborhood watch group, Shomrim, reported hearing loud explosions early Monday morning.

"The explosions were due to oxygen tanks, not a bomb or explosive material. While some buildings have been evacuated, no injuries have been reported. Please avoid this area as investigations proceed," the organization stated.

Local councillor Dean Cohen, who visited the site, expressed concern about the incident's unsettling effect on residents.

He informed Jewish News that the attack occurring in a "synagogue's car park is particularly alarming and will send shock waves through our community, especially during this time of heightened fears surrounding antisemitism in the UK."

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased global tensions following the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which intensified after the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28, leading to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In London, large protests have also unfolded. On Saturday, thousands marched through the streets, joining a broader movement across Europe opposing U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

The demonstrators in the British capital marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, displaying banners and chanting slogans denouncing the attacks. Their voices resonated throughout central London as public concern over the escalating conflict spilled onto the streets.

At a subsequent rally, participants demanded an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of foreign intervention in the Middle East. A protester named Mariam, holding a sign that read "Stop the war on Iran," criticized Washington's description of the operation as "Epic Fury," instead labeling it an "Epic Failure."

"No foreign intervention. Hands off the Middle East and stop bombing. People deserve the right to live in peace. Bombing doesn’t lead to democracy," she asserted.

Another protester, Adrian, who traveled from Birmingham, characterized the strikes on Iran as "completely outrageous" and "exhausting." He cautioned that the repercussions, including rising oil prices and global insecurity, are already being felt.