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A fire broke out at the Waitrose store in Ruislip on Friday evening, reportedly due to the deliberate arson of a homeless man’s belongings on a bench next to the supermarket. The incident occurred at the Waitrose on Kingsend, Ruislip.
Emergency services were alerted to the scene at approximately 11pm on Friday evening 9th August 2024. Initial reports indicated that a bench outside the store had been set alight, with flames rapidly spreading to the store’s property.
Picture by Richard Morrow
Eight Fire crews were dispatched promptly to tackle the incident that has now engulfed the building.
The situation escalated quickly as the fire, which started on the bench outside the store, began affecting the building itself. The exact extent of the damage to the property is yet to be determined, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. However, early indications suggest that the fire may have been a result of arson.
No injuries have been reported at this time, and the area has been cordoned off as firefighters work to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Local residents and shoppers are advised to avoid the area while emergency services remain on the scene. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
We have reached out to the London Fire Brigade and the Met Police for a comment.
