Fire at Kosher Kingdom caused by electrical fault, police confirm
Police say blaze behind Golders Green supermarket is not being treated as suspicious after major emergency response
A fire that broke out behind Kosher supermarket Kosher Kingdom in Golders Green on Wednesday morning is no longer being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Golders Green Road shortly before 7am after a major blaze sent heavy smoke across the area and forced road closures and evacuations near the busy shopping parade.
The Metropolitan Police said officers worked alongside the London Fire Brigade throughout the morning while firefighters tackled the fire.
In an update issued later on Wednesday, police confirmed the blaze is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police investigating the cause of the fire at a warehouse in Golders Green have confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious.”
The spokesperson added: “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 drew a significant emergency response after the London Fire Brigade received dozens of calls from members of the public reporting smoke and flames near the kosher supermarket.
Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were sent to the scene from nearby stations, including Finchley, West Hampstead and Willesden.
Road closures remained in place for several hours around Golders Green Road and Beverley Gardens while crews worked to bring the blaze under control.
No injuries have been reported.
A statement from Kosher Kingdom said: “Investigations are still ongoing, but we would like to reassure the community that at this stage it is not being treated as suspicious.
“We want to thank the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade for their swift action today.
“We know the fire caused disruption to local residents and businesses, for which we are very sorry.
“We apologise to our loyal customers as it looks like the store will be closed for some time, and we will provide a further update when we are able to.
“Thank you for your support, and to everyone who has reached out to us today. We look forward to welcoming you again soon to Kosher Kingdom.”
The incident prompted concern within the local Jewish community following a series of recent antisemitic incidents in north London, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green last month and the arson attack on a Hatzola ambulance earlier this year. Police said officers would remain in the area to provide reassurance to residents and businesses.
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