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great balls of fire

100 firefighters, 600 evacuate, but just one person hospitalised in Elephant explosion

Pizza restaurant managers Antonio and David One of the six people treated by paramedics was hospitalised

By Katherine Johnston

katherine@southwarknews.co.uk

Three Businesses have been completely gutted after a huge fireball exploded from a garage in elephant and Castle.

The blaze, which broke out shortly before 2pm on Monday, June 28, was eventually brought under control by 100 firefighters. One video of the early stages of the fire, circulating online, shows a huge fireball erupting from the building in front of panicked onlookers. More than 600 people had to be evacuated from surrounding buildings and residents were warned to keep their windows and doors closed as plumes of thick, black smoke billowed across south London. The fire started in a garage in the Elephant Road arches at the rear entrance of the rail station. Two hours later London Fire Brigade confirmed that three commercial units were ‘completely alight’ along with six cars and a telephone box.

Six people were treated by paramedics at the scene, including a police officer who suffered smoke inhalation. Remarkably, given the severity of the fire, only one person was hospitalised. The fire was brought under control by 4pm. In an update on Wednesday morning, London Fire Brigade confirmed that the businesses in the arches had been ‘completely destroyed’, along with eight cars inside the building, six outside, and a telephone box.

The brigade has now launched an investigation into the cause. Crews were on site surveying the wreckage on Wednesday. Although no working theories have yet to be shared, as the blaze was being tackled the Met issued a statement saying that at this ‘early stage’ it believed the fire was ‘not terror related’. Around a hundred of those evacuated from offices, businesses and homes in the area were stood behind a cordon in New Kent Road throughout Tuesday afternoon, anxiously waiting to hear when they could return. Antonio and David, who run a pizza restaurant which only opened six weeks ago, said they were 'very scared' by the ordeal but praised the police for their quick response, describing them as ‘very organised’. "We heard the noise and straight away decided to close up for the day," manager Antonio told us. "Thirty seconds later the police ran in and told us to get out, and we said 'we're ahead of you!'"

Several people wearing headphones attempted to jog through the cordon, seemingly unaware of the huge emergency response.

One man asked to be let through to fetch his charger, saying he needed to call work to let them know he would be late. He was rebuffed by officers. Amid the chaos, Southwark Playhouse threw its doors open to anyone in need of refuge, refreshments or somewhere to charge their phones.

teen charged over rave murder

By Kit Heren

kit@southwarknews.co.uk

a Teenage boy has been charged with the murder of a man who was stabbed to death at a south Bermondsey rave on saturday (June 26).

Jason Nyarko, 26, from Lewisham, was killed after a fight broke out at the unlicensed music event at an industrial unit on Stockholm Road, near Millwall’s stadium the Den. Police were called at about 11.50pm on Saturday night and attended along with ambulance crews. Mr Nyarko was treated at the scene but died. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist police officers. A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene. He was also treated for head injuries and taken to hospital. Police said his condition was not life-threatening. He was charged on Tuesday evening (June 29). He appeared in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (June 30).

Detectives continue to appeal for anyone who was at the event where Jason was attacked to come forward. They are particularly appealing for anyone who filmed videos or took photos to share them.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said: “The victim in this case suffered fatal injuries which sadly claimed his life. Officers are working hard to achieve justice for his friends and family. “Our investigation continues to make progress but we need the assistance of those at the event to come forward to police.

“We know there is a large amount of video footage that was taken on the night. It is vital that we see this and I urge anyone with videos and photos to submit them to police”.

“Likewise, if you were at the event and witnessed a fight inside the warehouse, or any other suspicious activity, we need to hear from you. No piece of information is too small or insignificant. If you can help please don’t hesitate, call us direct or remain anonymous, but either way make the call.” Anyone who was at the event and has information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205. Information can also be provided to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111. Jason Nyarko

Shoppers horrified as four knife-wielding men carry out daylight robbery

By Katherine Johnston

katherine@southwarknews.co.uk

a group of knife-wielding men stole an electric bike from its owner in peckham last week.

Police received a flurry of 999 calls as the terrifying robbery was underway in the middle of Rye Lane last Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses had seen four men with knives in the busy high street at around 2.40pm on June 23. Fortunately their victim was unharmed. Several hours later officers scrambled to Queen’s Road after two armed men, believed to have been some of the same suspects, were seen in the area. Although they evaded police, a large ‘Zombie knife’ was found nearby in Lewisham’s Somerville Estate. A stop and search section 60 was authorised from 7pm the same evening until 7am the following day, covering much of south-east Southwark, with extra patrols in place over the following days. Officers authorised a stop and search section 60 from 7pm that night until 7am on Thursday covering much of south-east Southwark. Anyone with information should call 101 or speak with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bride’s big day just got even better but we still need to do things safely

The limit on the number of people at weddings and wakes has been lifted ... but we need to remember the rules on hands, face, space and fresh air. We look at the new etiquette for wedding organisers and their guests and how to commemorate the life of a loved one at funerals or wakes.

FORGET WEDDING etiquette bible Debrett’s – for now! Friends and family can once again be at the centre of our celebrations but new rules are in place to ensure our safety.

In England, you can have as many guests as you like as long as the number complies with the venue’s socially-distanced capacity and that guests remember the hands, face, space, and fresh air message is still important.

Staff and guests are asked to wear masks except when eating and drinking. It is also best to get tested twice a week before and after the event.

Venues will have to carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment. In other locations, such as private gardens, the organiser must decide how many people can safely attend to allow for social distancing and complete a risk assessment.

The risk assessment is easy to access and complete and should be treated as just one more thing – including sending invitations, buying favours and booking a photographer – to tick off the to-do list.

Don’t forget to do it as failure to provide a completed risk assessment could result in a £10,000 fine.

If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, risk assessments must be carried out for both.

Food and drink usually flow at a wedding reception and they still can ... to guests sitting at tables, indoors and out.

Go ahead and book a band or DJ who can perform socially distanced and, though singing and dancing are not advised, the newlyweds can take to the floor for the first dance.

The best man and father of the bride should prepare those embarrassing speeches, best delivered outdoors.

Alternative wedding ceremonies are permitted in line with the same rules as weddings or civil partnerships. You can attend a stag or hen do and Hindu or Sikh Mehndi parties can go ahead with numbers for each restricted to 30 people outside and rule of six or two households inside private homes. The COVID-19 risk assessment, along with helpful guidance and tips, is available on gov.uk/coronavirus BIG DAY

Lauren Bunney at The Glass House wedding venue at Staining Lodge.

Wakes and funerals

AN UNLIMITED number of people can legally attend funerals and the 30-person limit on wakes has been lifted in England, meaning it is now up to the individual venue to decide how many people may attend. The venue or organiser must conduct a risk assessment to assess the number possible guests in line with social distancing.