A massive fire which tore through Kosher Kingdom in Golders Green on Wednesday morning was ‘not suspicious’, police have revealed.
Fifteen engines and 100 firefighters were initially sent to tackle the huge blaze, with more arriving at the scene throughout the day.
Videos show flames ripping through the roof of the kosher supermarket on Golders Green Road and dark smoke billowing out.
A police officer and others were seen dragging gas cannisters away from behind the property as the fire raged.
Police investigating the blaze have now confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious, and say the cause is believed to be an electrical fault.
There are no reports of any injuries.
A hero shop assistant told the JC how he got ten staff to safety when the fire erupted just 20 minutes before Kosher Kingdom opens to customers at 7am.
Bohdan, in his 50s, said: “I opened the shop at 6am to prepare everything for the customers. At about 6.40am we saw smoke going around the shop.
The hero shop assistant - Bohdan[Missing Credit]
“We didn’t know what the source of the smoke was.
"My colleague called the fire brigade and I went around the shop to tell everyone to get out, to evacuate the premises. And by that time, actual fire appeared."
Bohdan bravely tried to use a fire extinguisher to put the flames out but the blaze had already taken hold.
One local resident said: “We heard explosions. The smoke reminds me of when the Hatzola ambulances were set on fire.
“It's very scary.’’
Kosher Kingdom manager Shlomi Rokach said: “Thank God everyone was safe. Everyone was OK. The few staff that were on site were able to evacuate. They initially tried to fight the fire. They weren't able to. Obviously, we called 999 straight away. And it just escalated from there.”
Speaking earlier in the day, Mr Rokach had urged people not to speculate about the cause of the fire.
He said: “The police are pretty certain that it's just something that caused a fire but not terrorism and not arson.
"It just seems to be just a case of something. It could be electrical. They're doing the investigations.
“Speculation doesn’t help anyone.”
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The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police investigating the cause of a fire at a warehouse in Golders Green have confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious.
“At around 7am police were called by the London Fire Brigade, who were responding to the fire on Golders Green Road, Barnet.
“Officers attended and worked closely alongside firefighters, assisting with road closures and evacuations to ensure public safety. There was damage to the property but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“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.”
Kosher Kingdom is the largest kosher supermarket in Europe.
Staff gathered in the street as Golders Green residents offered them tea, water and apple juice.
Firefighters from Finchley, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding stations are fighting the fire with specialist equipment.
The London Fire Brigade advised locals to keep doors and windows shut.
It said in a statement: “Firefighters are currently responding to a fire on Golders Green Road in Golders Green.
“The fire is affecting a shop.
“The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke and we're advising people in the area to keep their windows and doors shut at this time.
“A number of road closures are in place, including on Golders Green Road near the junction with Beverley Gardens.
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“Please avoid the area whilst firefighters work to extinguish the fire.”
The LFB also tweeted: “The Brigade received the first of 56 calls about the fire at 0647 and Control Officers have mobilised 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters from Finchley, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder is also in attendance.”
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 area was recently hit by an arson attack on Hatzola ambulances. Kosher Kingdom is yards away from the site of the stabbing attack on two men in April.
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