Police have provided assurance to the Golders Green community following a significant fire at a Jewish supermarket, stating it was not a deliberate or targeted incident. Thick black smoke alarmed residents in northwest London as the blaze erupted, unsettling locals already on edge due to recent antisemitic attacks in the area.

Around 100 firefighters from neighboring regions responded to the three-story building, advising residents to keep windows closed despite the ongoing heatwave. Law enforcement has confirmed that the fire is deemed non-suspicious, attributing it to an electrical fault after collaborative investigations with the London Fire Brigade.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson mentioned, “The fire, determined to be caused by an electrical fault, is not considered suspicious. We acknowledge the distress and inconvenience caused to the local community and assure them that there is no evidence of a targeted or intentional act.”

Numerous calls reporting the fire were received by the London Fire Brigade at approximately 7 am. Videos circulating on social media captured thick smoke emerging from behind Kosher Kingdom, known as the largest Kosher supermarket in Europe, which had been reopened in 2009 following a prior fire incident.

A local resident described witnessing the fire response, saying, “As soon as I saw about 10 fire engines rushing past my window around 8:30 this morning, I knew something was amiss. Unfortunately, with prior incidents in the area, including a recent stabbing, it’s becoming somewhat familiar, albeit concerning. We must remain vigilant.”

While the exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, a resident, Vahid Abazari, speculated that an overheated fan may have triggered the blaze. He noted that despite efforts by staff to contain the fire, it rapidly spread, possibly originating from the fan atop a fridge. Authorities have advised residents that access to their homes may be restricted throughout Wednesday afternoon.