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Police probe fire at Kingston upon Thames market

Amy Clarke
News imageAll Saints Church Charred and collapsed market stalls in Kingston upon Thames, with debris scattered across the marketplace as police officers and other people stand behind cordons. All Saints Church and surrounding shops can be seen in the background.All Saints Church
Kingston's market dates back to the early 1200s

The Metropolitan Police is investigating a fire which destroyed a number of stalls at Kingston's Ancient Market in south-west London.

Four fire engines and some 25 firefighters were called to the blaze on Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Eight people were evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire, which is currently unknown, is also under investigation by the London Fire Brigade.

Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said he was "shocked and saddened" by the fire. He said: "The Ancient Market sits at the heart of the community and my thoughts are with the traders, business owners and residents who have been impacted by this incident."

News imageLFB Thick smoke rises around Kingston Market at night as a firefighter stands beside the stalls, with hoses running across the ground and buildings visible through the smoke behind.LFB
Fire crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden and surrounding stations were sent to the scene

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the fire destroyed a range of market stalls and also damaged the fascia of several properties and a small part of the roof of a neighbouring property.

Firefighters received the first of six calls at 04:33 BST. The fire was extinguished by 06:08.

News imageAnmol Brahmbhatt Burnt and twisted remains of market stalls lie behind police tape in Kingston upon Thames, with crates and debris scattered across the ground. Nearby shopfronts are blackened by the fire, while firefighters can be seen further along the street.Anmol Brahmbhatt
The area remains cordoned off by police

Kirsch added: "I want to reassure you that the council is working with partners to support all those affected."

He said the council was working with the fire brigade and police to ensure the area was safe and "prioritise the recovery of our much-loved market".

The Market Place remains cordoned off by police, with businesses within the closed area unable to trade until further notice, the council said.

A spokesperson for All Saints Church, which is between the market and the Bentall Centre, said: "We are deeply thankful for the tireless, brave efforts of our local firefighters and police officers, whose hard work kept the flames from fully taking hold of surrounding buildings, preventing an even greater disaster.

"We pray for safety over everyone involved, and for peace and provision for all those whose homes and businesses have been impacted, especially the market traders who have lost their stalls."

In January, operator Between the Bridges submitted plans to Kingston Council to revamp the market with replacement stalls, a central piazza, restaurant, bar and roof terrace.

No decision has yet been made on the proposals.

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