Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to a fire on Albemarle Road, Barnet on January 16th 2026.
The fire was located on the ground floor, in a semi-detached house of two floors. UK Cypriot husband and wife Andreas and Sophia Lescou were removed from the property by firefighters. Sadly, both were declared dead at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation.
The Brigade was first called about the incident at 0144, and crews from Barnet, Southgate and Finchley fire stations attended the scene. Firefighters had the incident under control by 0314.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by candles which ignited nearby materials. The family have confirmed that Andreas and Sophia would light a memorial candle which was surrounded with religious imagery and photographs of family passed.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything else that can easily catch fire.
“A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: Try replacing wax candles with ‘flameless’ candles like LED and electric candles. These candles can be left unattended, even while you are asleep. Your safety is the most important matter at hand.”
Andreas was born in Famagusta, Cyprus, on the 9th November 1935 and Sophia was born 12 days later on the 21st November 1935 in Pano Kivides, Cyprus. They met in Vauxhall, London in 1958 and married the following year.
Together they ran Lescou’s Delicatessen, with locations in Swiss Cottage, Palmers Green, Friern Barnet, and Hendon in London, as well as one in Limassol, Cyprus.
They leave behind their daughters Despina and Chrystalla, and grandchildren Amelia, Sophie, Gregory, Phytos and Andreas.
Their joint funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday 12th February, at The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Katherine, Barnet, Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 0NL, with burial at New Southgate Cemetery & Crematorium, Brunswick Park Road, New Southgate N11 1EZ, followed by a wake at St Katherine’s Church Hall.
The family are raising money in Andreas and Sophia’s memory for AgeUK – a donation can be made at: www.justgiving.com/page/andreas-sophia-lescou
