The market square in Kingston will remain shut for the foreseeable future after a fire destroyed traders' stalls and damaged neighbouring businesses on Tuesday, 6 October.

The Met Police has today (Wednesday, 7 October), told Nub News that the fire is "not being treated as suspicious" and that there will be "no further updates" from the service.

On Tuesday morning, eight people were evacuated from their homes after a blaze ripped through Kingston Market Place, which dates back more than 800 years.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said four fire engines and around 25 firefighters rushed to the scene in Kingston Town Centre, after the fire was reported at 4.33am.

No injuries were reported, but several market stalls were destroyed and the frontages of neighbouring businesses damaged.

The Market Place has been cordoned off while the Met Police and LFB investigate the cause of the fire, which is currently unknown.

Businesses within the closed-off area will not be trading until further notice.



Kingston Council Leader Andreas Kirsch said: "I am shocked and saddened by the serious fire that has affected Kingston's marketplace.

!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.

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

"We are working with the London Fire Brigade and the Met Police to support their enquiries, ensure the immediate safety of the area, and prioritise the recovery of our much-loved market."

All Saints Kingston also said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday: "We are shocked and saddened by the news of the fire in the marketplace overnight.

"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."

Kingston Ancient Market, which opened around 1170, is home to 28 permanent stalls and typically opens every day from 10am to 5pm.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) at 4.49am on Tuesday, October 6, to reports of a fire in Market Place, Kingston.

"Officers attended alongside colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and LAS.

"No injuries have been reported. A cordon is in place while officers and the LFB carry out enquiries to establish the cause of the fire."

An LFB spokesperson added: "A range of market stalls were destroyed by the fire.

"The fire also affected the fascia of a range of properties and a small part of the roof of a neighbouring property.

"Eight people were evacuated from the area by the Metropolitan Police Service. There are no reports of any injuries.

"Control Officers took the first of six calls at 4.33am and mobilised crews from Kingston, Surbiton, New Malden and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 6.08am."

Operator Between the Bridges took over management of the market from Kingston First, which had been running it under a 12-month rolling agreement, in April last year as part of the council's plans to revive the attraction.

The council, which owns it, brought together Kingston Ancient Market, Market Square and Ancient Market House under a longer-term lease held by Between the Bridges to better support traders and boost footfall.

Between the Bridges submitted plans earlier this year to overhaul the market with new stalls, a central piazza, restaurant, bar and roof terrace, which are still under consideration.

The council said it is monitoring the situation and will share further updates when more information becomes available.

Between the Bridges has been contacted for comment.

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