Fire rips through historic 800-year-old London market leaving locals 'wounded'

The Metropolitan Police said the fire was not being treated as suspicious, while the London Fire Brigade described it as accidental.

Eight people were evacuated thanks to the efforts of four fire engines and some 25 firefighters. And while no injuries have been reported, the damage has brought financial uncertainty for traders whose livelihoods have been built around the market.

Fishmonger Tim Meads, who has traded at the market for 42 years, said his stall had been badly damaged and estimated around £2,000 worth of fish stored in outdoor fridges could have been lost.

“It’s taken everything away from me. Devastating,” he told the BBC, adding: “Hopefully we will rebuild, the town needs us. At the moment I’ve lost everything.”

A row of shops next to the market was also affected, with Zega Coffee suffering damage to its windows, but was able to remain open.

Barista Vince told reporters: “We are really sad, all the community is wounded by this,” describing the coffee shop as “lucky” to have suffered only cracked windows.

The blaze tore through Kingston’s Ancient Market in the early hours yesterday

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Meanwhile, Anmol Brambat, who has lived locally for 26 years and works close to the market, said she was shocked when she arrived at work and saw the damage.

“It’s very upsetting to see,” she said, adding how several businesses, including Lush, Greggs, Hotter and a bureau de change, had been forced to close, along with the market stalls.

“There’s a lot of speculation whether this can be repaired in time for Christmas or not,” she said.

“This market is the heart of Kingston. It’s always thriving from the time it opens to the time it closes.”

Another local resident said: "The market traders are the ones you’ve got to feel sorry for, this is their daily bread and butter - God knows what they’ll do."

Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident and expressed his support for affected traders, businesses and residents.

He said the council was working alongside police and firefighters to make the area safe, and would prioritise the recovery of the market.

The Market Place remains closed within the police cordon, meaning businesses within cannot trade until further notice.

The fire comes as the future of the Ancient Market was already being reconsidered.

In January, market operator Between the Bridges submitted plans for a major redevelopment featuring replacement stalls, a central piazza, a restaurant, bar and roof terrace.

The proposals have yet to be decided by Kingston Council, but the fire would have undoubtably been a major setback in the regeneration of the area.