Golders Green fire latest: Huge blaze at Kosher Kingdom store 'not suspicious' say police

Fire crews battling a huge blaze at a supermarket in Golders Green say the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Around 100 firefighters and 15 engines have been called to the blaze at Kosher Kingdom in Golders Green Road, north-west London.

Shocking video footage shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky as fire alarms ring out and residents watch on in horror.

London Fire Brigade said the storage area at the back of the building has partially collapsed and firefighters are still on the scene.

In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Met Police revealed the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious but the result of an electric fault.

Officers said there was no indication the supermarket had been targeted or that the fire had been started deliberately.

Speaking from the scene, assistant commissioner Craig Carter said: "Our specialist Fire Investigators, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Service, have worked at pace to establish that the circumstances of the fire are not believed to be suspicious and investigations on the cause and origin of the fire are ongoing.”

Residents in the nearby flats were evacuated and a rest centre has been set up nearby, though no injuries have been reported.

One video, filmed closer to the blaze, shows firefighters dragging a hose into the building while police officers help residents remove gas canisters from the area surrounding the scene.

Firefighters have urged members of the public to stay away from the area, as the fire is producing a large amount of smoke, while locals have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

Several road closures remain in place, including on Golders Green Road near the junction with Beverley Gardens. Adjoining roads are also closed.

Traffic is also disrupted on the A406 North Circular in both directions between Brent Cross and Henly's Corner.

The brigade said it received the first of 33 calls at 6.47am on Wednesday and had sent crews from Finchley, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene.

In a statement, the brigade said: “"Fifteen fire engines and around 100 firefighters have been tackling the fire at its height, which has affected a ground floor shop and a storage area to the rear, which has partially collapsed,” Mr Carter said.

“The flats above have not been affected by the fire, however residents from those flats have been safely evacuated as a precaution and a rest centre has been set up nearby. There are currently no reports of any injuries.

"The fire has been producing a significant amount of smoke, and we continue to advise people in the area to keep their windows and doors shut at this time, whilst firefighters work to fully extinguish the fire.

"One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders is being used at the scene as a water tower to help fight the fire from above. A second 32-metre turntable ladder is being used as an observation tower to provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire. Drones have been deployed to survey the incident from above, providing live thermal images

"I know that this fire will have caused concern both for those in Golders Green and the wider community, and our Community Engagement Team are here this morning providing support and reassurance to displaced residents and those who live and work nearby.

"I want to thank our crews for their continued hard work, and our partners in the Metropolitan Police Service, London Ambulance Service, Hatzolah, Community Security Trust and the local community who have supported us on scene."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers at the scene have been helping with road closures and evacuations.

Damage was caused to the building, but no injuries were reported, the force added.

A spokesperson for Met Police 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.

“Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance and will continue to work in partnership with the LFB and local authority.

“Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to local officers.”