Large blaze breaks out at Kosher supermarket in Golders Green

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Eyewitnesses have said that the fire began in the warehouse connected to Kosher Kingdom on Golders Green Road, with the first reports being called in just before 7am.

Footage of the scene shows firefighters and police removing gas cannisters away from the warehouse, as one local source told LBC there was a fear that cylinders inside the warehouse could explode.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, however, a previous fire at the premises in 2008 was caused by an electrical fault.

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Sami Joseph, manager of Gross Butchers next door, told LBC that it is believed the fire was caused by an electrical surge in the warehouse.

"It's been a bad year in Golders Green," he said.

"Month after month, there is some sort of incident. First you got the ambulance, then you got the stabbing, and now this.

"People assume it's maybe a terrorist or arson or something like that, but I think one of the staff said he was the electricity.

"Someone said it could be the electrics - there's been a surge - because it's happened before about 15 years ago.

"I think it's the circuit board and I think it's been related to the heat the last two days, and there's been a surge and it caused a spark."

London Fire Brigade is advising locals to keep their windows and doors shut, as there is "a significant amount of smoke" as a result of the fire.

A spokesperson said: "A number of road closures are in place, including on Golders Green Road near the junction with Beverley Gardens.

"Please avoid the area whilst firefighters work to extinguish the fire.

"The Brigade received the first of 33 calls about the fire at 0647 and Control Officers have mobilised ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters from Finchley, Willesden, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations to the scene."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers responded and are at the scene assisting firefighters with road closures and evacuations. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries. 

"This is an ongoing incident with the focus on dealing with the fire and ensuring the safety of the public. It is too early to have determined the cause.

"We will provide further updates when we are able to."