London, A fire broke out in a Hindu community center located in the eastern part of London, the capital of the UK, causing significant damage to the building. However, there have been no reports of any casualties. The London Fire Brigade provided this information. The Shri Sorathia Prajapati Community Center on Cleveland Road in Ilford had been decorated for a Ganesh Visarjan program on Saturday, and members of the Hindu community had gathered for prayers and celebrations. According to some local reports, the fire may have been caused by fireworks.

Meanwhile, the London Metropolitan Police stated that they have not found any evidence to suggest the fire was set intentionally. A spokesperson for the London Metropolitan Police reported that no one was injured in the incident. However, the building has suffered significant damage. The causes of the fire are under investigation. At this stage, the investigation team has not found any evidence indicating the fire was deliberate. They mentioned that they are working with Redbridge Council to assist local residents.

Advice to Keep Windows and Doors Closed Due to Smoke

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. The Metropolitan Police reported that their officers became aware of the fire during a routine patrol and notified the London Fire Brigade. The Fire Brigade stated they received about 14 calls regarding the fire, and six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to the scene from Ilford, Barking, Stratford, Leyton, Hainault, and Romford fire stations.

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Jas Athwal, the Labour MP of Indian origin from Ilford South, expressed gratitude to the firefighting teams in a message shared on social media. This area of east London was also in the news last weekend due to an arson incident. In a fire at an Indian restaurant, five people were seriously injured. The Metropolitan Police have arrested a 15-year-old teenager and a 54-year-old middle-aged man on suspicion of arson in the case.

Shri Sorathia Prajapati Community Center

The Shri Sorathia Prajapati Community Center is a cultural and social hub for the Sorathia Prajapati community, a subgroup of the Prajapati (clay potter) caste with roots in the Sorath region of Gujarat, India. It serves to preserve their unique heritage by hosting events, religious functions, and gatherings that strengthen community bonds.

London Fire Brigade

The London Fire Brigade is the statutory fire and rescue service for Greater London, established in 1866 in response to the inadequacies of previous firefighting efforts. It is one of the largest firefighting and rescue organizations in the world, with a history shaped by major events like the Blitz during World War II.

London Metropolitan Police

The London Metropolitan Police is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, established in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel. It is historically significant as the first modern and professional police force, which introduced the foundational principle of policing by consent. Its officers, famously known as « Bobbies » after their founder, were initially unarmed and tasked with crime prevention through their visible presence on the streets.

Redbridge Council

Redbridge Council is the local government authority for the London Borough of Redbridge, which was formed in 1965 from the former municipal boroughs of Ilford and Wanstead and Woodford. It is responsible for providing local services, including education, housing, and transport, to residents in this area of northeast London.

Ilford

Ilford is a large town in East London, historically part of the county of Essex. Its history dates back to the Domesday Book, and it grew significantly in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway, becoming a major suburban centre. Today, it is known for its significant cultural diversity and the nearby wilderness of the Roding Valley meadows.

Barking

Barking is a historic town in East London, whose origins date back to the 7th century with the founding of Barking Abbey, one of the most important nunneries in medieval England. While the abbey was largely dissolved in the 16th century, its ruins and the adjacent St Margaret’s Church remain as significant historical landmarks in the area.

Stratford

Stratford is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, most famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is home to several significant sites related to the playwright, including his birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with its most celebrated resident, and it has become a major global destination for literary tourism.

Leyton

Leyton is a district in East London, England, historically part of the ancient parish of Leyton in the county of Essex. Its history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era, and it was predominantly a rural area until its rapid expansion and absorption into London during the 19th-century industrial revolution. Today, it is a vibrant, diverse residential area known for its proximity to Leyton Orient Football Club and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.