Probe begins at market fire site

12 April 2012

Investigators are hoping to get access to part of London's Camden Market which has been ravaged by fire.

The London Fire Brigade's investigation team began initial inquiries on Monday by interviewing some eyewitnesses.

The cause of the fire could remain unknown for days because structural engineers still need to assess the safety of some of the buildings.

The fire wrecked the market, shops and celebrity hangout The Hawley Arms pub - a favourite of troubled singer Amy Winehouse and supermodel Kate Moss.

The fire raged for three hours before London Fire Brigade (LFB) brought it under control. There are no reports of any injuries.

The owners of the Canal Market complex, Camden Market Holdings, said more than 300 people faced an uncertain future because of the blaze.

The statement reads: "More than 300 people who run stalls in the markets may lose their livelihoods and we will be doing all we can to get them back running their businesses.

"We are devastated by the damage caused by the fire and thankful that no-one was injured. We are grateful for the prompt action of the Fire Brigade and the police.

"Camden Market has a worldwide reputation and has 30 million visitors a year. We want to meet with the stallholders and the local community as soon as we can to show that we are fully committed to recreating the market as soon as possible."

As many as 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height on Saturday night, as thousands of revellers and shocked locals looked on. Police said they expected parts of Camden Town, including Camden High Street as it passes through the Camden Lock area, would remained closed to traffic and pedestrians for the next few days.

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