Fire closes West End stores

Several stores near Bond Street underground station on Oxford Street have been forced to close today, following a fire last night.

The shops, including sportswear retailer Footlocker, jeweller Ernest Jones, photo and digital specialist Snappy Snaps, Bertie footwear and boutique Tako, had to shut when a fire broke out at 34 South Molton Street at about 1.25am. Police are treating the incident as suspicious.

It is still not known how long the stores will remain closed. However, an eyewitness suggested that heavy water damage means that a quick reopening is unlikely.

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