New ambulances arrive in Golders Green

Four Government-loaned ambulances have arrived in north London

They're replacing the Jewish community ambulances that were destroyed in an arson attack in Golders Green.

The London Ambulance Service vehicles arrived at a car park in Golders Green at around 1.20pm on Tuesday afternoon.

After the LAS vehicles parked, Hatzola chairman Shloimie Richman read out a statement saying Monday was the “darkest day” in the charity’s existence.

In a conversation afterwards, Mr Richman told the Press Association that he reacted with “shock” to the news of the arson attack.

He said: “The irony is here that you have vehicles that are used for life-saving work and transfer to hospital, and those are being targeted in an arson attack.

“It just kind of makes you feel you know, what kind of world are we living in currently?

“I think the bottom line is that weren’t targeted because they are ambulances, they are targeted because they identify with the Jewish community in a high profile way.

“And that is, for us, the worrier.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announcing on Monday that the LAS would loan the vehicles to Hatzola after four of the charity’s ambulances were set on fire in the early hours of the morning.

The Government will also cover the cost of the vehicles that were destroyed, Mr Streeting announced.

Health minister Karin Smyth said attacking an ambulance service is a “new low” as she met with Hatzola volunteers.

The Labour MP told the Press Association: “The Secretary of State Wes Streeting was very clear when he visited after this horrific incident that we would be supporting Hatzola in any way that we could as a Government to make sure this operation continued.”

Ms Smyth said she wanted to speak to Hatzola volunteers and London Ambulance Service employees to thank them for the service they provide.

She said: “As described to me, it’s a new low attacking something that is there to save lives, children – babies are born in some of these vehicles.

“You know, it is a new low, but they are able to continue working.

“And the determination, despite what’s happened, in conversations I’ve had is very, very apparent.”

Ms Smyth described the arson attack as both “hateful” and “horrific”.

She added: “The Prime Minister is very clear about this and the Secretary of State for Health is very clear in terms of getting these ambulances back – we will not allow this sort of hatred to take root in our country and stop the great work that’s happening in this community.

“We will not allow that hate.”

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