A Greek Cypriot couple died in a house fire in north London after a blaze broke out at their home in the early hours of 16 January.
According to community newspaper Paroikiaki, the victims were Andreas and Sophia Leskou, who were rescued from the property by firefighters but were pronounced dead at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews. The cause of death was smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out at a two-storey semi-detached house on Albemarle Road in Barnet. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were dispatched to the scene after the London Fire Brigade received the emergency call at 01:44.
Crews from Barnet, Southgate and Finchley attended, with the fire confined to the ground floor of the property. The incident was brought under control shortly after 03:00.
Candle believed to have caused the fire
Fire investigators believe the blaze was caused by a lit candle that ignited nearby materials. Family members told Paroikiaki that the couple regularly lit a memorial candle near religious icons and photographs of relatives who had passed away.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade reiterated that candles remain one of the most common causes of fatal house fires, stressing that they should never be left unattended and must be kept well clear of flammable items. The brigade recommends electric or LED candles as a safer alternative.
A life shaped by the Cypriot diaspora
Andreas Lescou was born in Famagusta on 9 November 1935, while Sophia Lescou was born on 21 November 1935 in Pano Kyvides, in Limassol district.
They met in Vauxhall, London, in 1958 and married a year later. Together they built and ran Lescou’s Delicatessen, operating shops in several areas of London as well as one in Limassol, becoming well known within the Greek Cypriot community.
The couple are survived by their daughters, Despina and Chrystalla, and their grandchildren Amelia, Sophie, Gregory, Phyto and Andreas.
Their joint funeral will take place at 11:00 on Thursday, 12 February, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Catherine in Barnet, followed by burial at New Southgate Cemetery.
Source: Paroikiaki