Cause of blaze at Ilford Hindu centre under investigation - but 'no evidence of deliberate act' say police

Police and the London Fire Service are investigating the cause of a blaze that ripped through a Hindu Community Centre in Ilford last night, but investigators have found no evidence as yet to suggest arson, officers said.

The building was damaged significantly by the blaze which was discovered by local police before the fire service was alerted.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “While on patrol at 8pm on Saturday, 30 August 2025, neighbourhood officers discovered a fire at a community centre in Cleveland Road, Ilford. Police alerted the London Fire Brigade who attended and extinguished the blaze.

“No one was injured in the incident, however the building suffered significant structural damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation - at this stage, the investigation team have found no evidence to suggest that it was started deliberately.

“We are working closely with Redbridge Council to support to the local community. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.”

Firefighters were called to the VHP Hindu Centre on Cleveland Road yesterday August 30, 2025, at 8pm to reports of a blaze at the building.

watch remarkable video of the fire from @sadeed.salhyonkaon TikTok here.

Flames were brought under control by 9.21pm.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "The Brigade received around 14 calls about the fire and Control Officers mobilised six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Ilford, Barking, Stratford, Leyton, Hainault and Romford fire stations to the scene.

"A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station also attended and was used as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above."

Police and firefighters were seen still at the scene into the early hours of the morning.

Video published by our sister site @newsjunkie3 @newsaddictclub on TikTok shows crews at the scene.

Redbridge Council posted on X in the early hours: "London Fire Brigade are currently dealing with the fire at the Hindu Community Centre on Cleveland Road/Albert Road. Significant disruption should be expected on Ilford Lane and the majority of roads running between Ilford Lane and Sunnyside Road due to road closures in place."

Main image @sadeed.salhyonkaon TikTok.