Police have provided assurance to the Golders Green community following a significant fire at a Jewish supermarket, stating that it was not a deliberate or targeted incident. The blaze, which resulted in thick black smoke visible in northwest London this morning, caused alarm among residents. This event occurred amidst a series of antisemitic attacks in the area, including a recent stabbing incident involving two Jewish men.
Over 100 firefighters from neighboring regions responded to the three-story building, urging residents to keep their windows closed despite the ongoing heatwave. Authorities have confirmed that the fire, suspected to have originated from an electrical fault, is not being treated as suspicious.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson declared, “After conducting thorough investigations in collaboration with the London Fire Brigade, the fire is deemed non-suspicious and likely caused by an electrical malfunction. We acknowledge the anxiety and inconvenience this incident has caused the local community and assure residents that there is no evidence of a targeted or intentional act.”
The London Fire Brigade received numerous calls reporting the fire that broke out around 7 am. Videos circulating on social media captured dense smoke emerging from behind the Kosher Kingdom, recognized as the largest Kosher supermarket in Europe since its 2009 reopening post a prior fire incident.
A local eyewitness recounted the scene, noting the familiarity of emergency responses in the area and emphasizing the need for vigilance given past incidents. While the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, a resident attributed it to an overheated fan, which escalated quickly despite efforts to contain it.
Authorities have cautioned residents about limited access to their homes throughout the afternoon.
