Probe begins into Camden market blaze

The London Fire Brigade's investigation team began initial inquiries yesterday 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.

Last night 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.

Simon Pitkeathley, chief executive of Camden Town United, an organisation which represents businesses in the area, was taken by fire officials into some of the buildings hit by the blaze.

He said: "It is absolutely devastated. When I walked in there, it took my breath away. I was not expecting it to be that bad.

"From the road, it looks bad enough, but it is not until you are inside that you see the full extent. The damage goes back quite a long way.

"But lots of things remain open in Camden Town. The other markets are open, and many of the shops, pubs and bars are now able to reopen as well."