Emergency services rushed to Brent Cross Shopping Centre this afternoon after a vehicle caught fire inside the John Lewis car park, prompting a four-pump fire response from the London Fire Brigade.
The incident occurred at approximately 4pm at the John Lewis store located at Prince Charles Drive, Hendon in North West London
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene following multiple 999 calls reporting a “ vehicle fire had been totally engulfed” in the shopping centre’s parking area. Due to the location and risk of spread, a significant fire crew mobilisation to tackle the blaze that is understood to have spread to near by vehicles
Fire crews from multiple stations attended and worked rapidly to contain the blaze, which was extinguished without spreading to the store. There have been no reported injuries and the fire is not believed to be suspicious at this stage.
Metropolitan Police and shopping centre security assisted in cordoning off the affected section of the car park while the fire was tackled.
A source for the London Fire Brigade said:
“Crews responded to reports of a vehicle fire inside a Brent Cross retail unit car park. Four fire engines attended. The fire was brought under control promptly, and investigations are underway to determine the cause.”
Shoppers were temporarily restricted from accessing parts of the John Lewis car park during the incident, but the shopping centre remained open.
Motorists and visitors are advised to avoid the area while emergency crews complete investigations and safety assessments.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.
