Police have moved to reassure the community in Golders Green, northwest London, after a large fire at a Jewish supermarket was determined not to be a targeted or deliberate act. The blaze, which broke out at Kosher Kingdom early Wednesday morning, sent thick black smoke across the area, alarming residents who have experienced a series of antisemitic attacks in recent months, including a stabbing of two Jewish men last month.
Around 100 firefighters from across London attended the three-storey building, and residents were advised to keep windows shut despite the ongoing heatwave. Following investigations alongside the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
A police spokesperson said: 'Following further enquiries alongside the LFB, the fire is not being treated as suspicious and is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. We understand the concern and disruption this incident will have caused to the local community and those living and working in the area. We would like to reassure residents that there is no indication of any targeted or deliberate act.'
The fire is believed to have started at around 7am, with the London Fire Brigade receiving more than 50 calls. Social media footage showed thick smoke billowing from behind Kosher Kingdom, which is known as the 'largest Kosher supermarket in Europe' and was relaunched in 2009 after a previous fire. Local resident Vahid Abazari suggested the fire may have started from an overheated fan on top of a fridge, with flames spreading to storage containing alcohol.
Officials have warned that residents may not be able to access their homes throughout Wednesday afternoon. One local, who did not give their name, told the Mirror: 'I live on the main road, so as soon as I had about 10 fire engines and saw, whizzled past my window, I knew there was something on. That was around 8:30 this morning. We unfortunately getting used to it... It's just, we just could be vigilant.'
