The Golders Green community in northwest London has been on high alert following several hate crimes, including the terror attack last month that saw two Jewish men stabbed
Police have reassured the Golders Green community a huge fire at a Jewish supermarket was not “a targeted or deliberate act”.
Residents were shaken when thick black smoke was seen across the area in northwest London this morning after the blaze broke out. There have been several antisemitic attacks in the neighbourhood, including the terror attack last month that saw two Jewish men stabbed.
After 100 firefighters from surrounding areas attended the three-storey building today and warned residents to keep their windows shut despite the heatwave, police have confirmed the blaze is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan 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.”
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London Fire Brigade received more than 50 calls about the blaze, which started at around 7am. Footage began circulating on social media showing thick smoke billowing from behind Jewish supermarket Kosher Kingdom. The supermarket known to be the “largest Kosher supermarket in Europe today” was relaunched in 2009 following a previous fire.
Speaking to the Mirror on Wednesday, a local said: “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, Just around the corner, there was an ambulance here that was burnt up before and the recent stabbing. So it’s something that’s unfortunately becoming a little familiar. So it’s not scary anymore. It’s just, we just could be vigilant.”
While the cause is yet to be confirmed, Vahid Abazari, who lives in the area, believed the fire to be caused by a “overheated fan”. He said: “Staff was inside and they tried stopping the fire, but they couldn’t manage it. It seems it started from the fan, it didn’t turn off itself, and overheated.”
He told the Mirror the fan was on top of a fridge and the fire spread from there. Mr Abazari added: “The main storage, they’re full of the alcohol and the fire spread. It’s been three hours and it’s still burning.”
Officials have advised residents they may not be able to access their homes throughout Wednesday afternoon.
