A ninth person has been arrested in connection with an attempted arson attack in Golders Green, counter-terrorism police have announced.
The 48-year-old was taken into custody following four Hatzola ambulances being set on fire in the early hours of March 23.
The latest arrest took place in Leytonstone High Road yesterday.
Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation into the incident.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: "The attack on the Hatzola ambulances caused considerable community concern and we have been working continuously to investigate this incident.
"Our aim is to arrest and charge all those responsible for the arson attacks and other incidents targeted at Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites in recent weeks.
"Counter-terrorism officers are also working closely with our Metropolitan Police colleagues to provide protective security advice and support to various organisations, community venues and businesses.
"With the threat level now raised to severe, everyone can play their part to keep themselves and their communities safe. If you have concerns about someone behaving suspiciously, please report it to us. Your information could help us save lives."
Four ambulances from Hatzola, a volunteer-led ambulance service, were set on fire in the early hours of March 23 | GETTYThe Metropolitan Police has unveiled a specialist Community Protection Team comprising of 100 additional officers dedicated to safeguarding Jewish communities throughout the capital.
This newly established unit merges neighbourhood policing expertise with specialist protection and counter-terrorism resources, creating a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to community safety.
Rather than depending on temporary surges in officer numbers, the force aims to build lasting protection through locally embedded officers who maintain strong connections with residents, educational institutions, religious leaders and community volunteers.
The team will initially concentrate on Jewish communities, which face elevated levels of hate crime alongside threats from terrorists and hostile foreign states.
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Counter-terrorism police have taken the lead on the investigation
| GETTYFollowing the attack on the Hatzola Ambulances in March and a number of other arson attacks and incidents subsequent to that, a total of 31 people have been arrested as part of the various CTP investigations connected to these.
Of those 30, eight people have been charged with various offences, one of whom, a 17-year-old boy, has pleaded guilty to arson in connection with the Kenton Synagogue incident.
A 19-year-old man arrested in Portsmouth on May 7 on suspicion of attempted arson has been bailed until a date in July.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: "The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing."
Windows of nearby apartments shattered as a result of oxygen tanks exploding | X/@CHASKELLBENNETHe added: "It brings together experienced local officers who know their communities, supported by specialist capabilities, to provide more visible, consistent and intelligence‑led protection.
"I welcome the Government’s £18million funding, which has already paid for thousands of additional officer shifts at a time of exceptional pressure. But this funding is short term and requires investment to sustain our policing response to this growing threat.
"We are working with Government and the Mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk.
"A settled, long‑term model built around local teams will be far more effective than repeated emergency responses, reducing risk and delivering lasting reassurance."
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