A group with possible links to the Iranian state is being investigated in relation to an arson attack on Jewish charity-owned ambulances, the head of the Metropolitan Police has said.

Four Hatzola ambulances were set ablaze in Golders Green, London, in the early hours of Monday, leading to several explosions caused by gas canisters onboard the vehicles.

Speaking at an event on Monday evening, Sir Mark Rowley said the "rapid growth" of Iranian state threats in recent years was grave but that it was still "too early" to attribute the attack to Tehran.

Police believe three suspects were involved in the attack, which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, not a terror incident.

Sir Mark said police were "pursuing all lines of enquiry", including "an online claim of responsibility by an Islamist group who have claimed other attacks across Europe and have potential Iranian state links".