Yeshiva World News

Williamsburg Shomrim (WSPU) caught a “big fish” on Tuesday afternoon, when their members apprehended a group of people suspected of passing counterfeit US currency to local establishments.

Sources tell YWN that Shomrim received a phone call that a group of 4 people were walking the streets of Williamsburg, and making small purchases using $100 bills in multiple stores.

One store owner checked the bill, realized they were counterfeit, and called Shomrim for assistance.

Shomrim members followed the suspects as they made purchases in 8 stores, and finally apprehended them after a small foot-pursuit. The NYPD was quick to respond, and placed them into custody.

Shortly after they arrived at the 90th Pct, a Shomrim member found more than $7,000 in fake bills on the street - which was thrown there during the foot-pursuit.

The US Secret Service has been called to assist the NYPD in this investigation.

Additionally, these arrests today bring the total arrests by Williamsburg Shomrim in this week to 12; four arrested on Monday for breaking into cars, some graffiti arrests, and others for breaking windows on a bus filled with Yeshiva children.

Just another reason to thank WSPU for keeping the streets of Williamsburg safe!

(YWN-112 / YWN-53 / YWN Desk - NYC)

Baltimore, MD - Mayor Dixon and Baltimore City Police Department Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld joined Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Councilwoman Rikki Spector, State Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, and Baltimore City Orphan’s Court Judge Karen Friedman at the annual Shomrim vs Baltimore City Police Department Northwest District flag football game at Northwestern High School.

Sunday’s game raised $21,000 for the Baltimore City Police Department’s Mounted Unit.
“Today’s friendly competition highlights the collaboration and partnership of efforts between the Baltimore City Police Department and Shomrim to keep the citizens of the Northwest District safe and secure,” stated Mayor Dixon.

“I want to thank Shomrim and Boost Mobile for their donations that raised $21,000 towards the Baltimore City Police Department’s Mounted Unit.”

Shomrim beat the Baltimore City Police Northwest District today 24-21 in a close and competitive game that was full of good sportsmanship and mutual respect. The true victor of today’s event was the Baltimore City Police Department’s Mounted Unit who received $21,000 in much needed funding. Shomrim donated $15,000 to the Mounted Unit and Boost Mobile donated $7,000.

About Baltimore Shomrim:
In response to increasing crime trends in the community, a group of concerned citizens founded Shomrim of Baltimore, Inc. in October-2005, as a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization whose overall mission is to improve public safety and security. Currently, Shomrim has over 30 volunteer incident responders who provide security and safety assistance in the Northwest Baltimore Neighborhood which encompasses parts of Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Shomrim works closely with both police departments by assisting them in deterring crime, being additional “eyes and ears” in our neighborhoods; thereby helping them make more arrests and improve the overall quality of life in our neighborhood.

(Chaim Sharf - YWN)

This Monday afternoon at approximately 12:30 PM a Flatbush Shomrim member observed a Hispanic male lurking around in a backyard of a house at the corner of Avenue I & East 27th street. Upon observing, the Male Hispanic cut a screen and broke a window lock with a hammer & screwdriver. The perpetrator then entered the home through the window.

Several Shomrim members responded and surrounded the house. After nearly 15 minutes Shomrim members apprehended the perpetrator in the house, called for NYPD for assistance, who subsequently took the suspect into custody. Shomrim then contacted the grateful owners that are vacationing in Florida.

There has recently been several burglaries in the Flatbush neighborhood, and hopefully this will put an end to some of them.

Shomrim tells YWN “If you ever see someone suspicious walking around please don’t hesitate to call the Flatbush Shomrim 24 hour emergency hotline number at 718-338-9797. It is also through your Eyes and Ears that help us make this a safe community.”

(Eli Gefen - YWN)

11:15PM EST: [UPDATE BELOW] Boro Park Shomrim is currently conducting a search for a missing elderly person, and are being assisted by dozens of volunteers from Hatzolah and Chaverim.

The NYPD has called a Level 1 response, and K9 and Aviation units are on the scene assisting the 66th Pct as well.

INFO DELETED…..

If you see this person, or have any info - please call the Boro Park Shomim hotline immediately at 718-871-6666.

UPDATE 11:56PM EST: The missing person has been found. The family thanks everyone for their help.

(Dov Gordon - YWN)

A crook was captured after breaking into a car in Sheepshead Bay, authorities said Friday.

Roberto Garcia, 31, climbed inside a 1997 Nissan Maxima on Avenue R near East 27th Street just before midnight Tuesday, sources said.

He soon exited, dropping two cellphone chargers and an MP3 player.

Members of the Flatbush Shomrim civilian patrol followed the suspect and directed police to an intersection where Garcia and alleged getaway driver José Hernandez, 37, were arrested.

Both were charged with petit larceny and possession of burglary tools.

In another incident, a graffiti vandal was busted after leaving his mark on parking meters in Midwood.

Vebija Bolic, 34, was caught red-handed after witnesses saw him scribbling the tag “Acro” in Magic Marker on parking meters along Avenue J near East 16th Street at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, sources said.

The witnesses called the Flatbush Shomrim hot line, and members of the volunteer group followed him and tipped off cops, who nabbed him nearby.

At the time of his arrest, Bolic had markers and cans of spray paint in his possession, sources said.

(Source: NY Post)

The NYPD is investigating a confrontation between white uniformed cops and black hate-crime detectives who claim they were racially profiled, the Daily News has learned.

A detective and a sergeant had to be physically restrained during the tense, profanity-laced standoff - which sparked a debate among police brass about who was out of line.

The uniformed officer repeatedly demanded identification from the detectives, who were following up on a possible bias crime.

“It’s quite disappointing that these detectives were subjected to the very same type of conduct that they were investigating,” said the detectives’ lawyer Eric Sanders.

The detectives were investigating an incident in which a black woman’s car windows were shot out in the predominantly white neighborhood of Gravesend, Brooklyn (Flatbush).

Hate crime task force members Stephon Garland and Gregory Wilson, who are black, and Faisal Khan, who is Pakistani, were wearing suits for the door-to-door canvass.

About 15 members of the Shomrim Jewish Community patrol arrived, and someone dialed 911, alleging the detectives were police impersonators, according to a report reviewed by The News.

The detectives identified themselves over the air to the radio dispatcher, but the situation escalated when uniformed cops from the 61st Precinct responded and demanded their ID cards.

Khan told Officer Craig Malamed, who is white, that he and his partners were from the task force and what they were doing.

After Khan and Wilson showed the cop their IDs, Malamed complained to his sergeant that Garland was sitting in the SUV and had not displayed identification.

An NYPD spokesman said the incident is under review to determine whether there were violations of department rules on either side.

“Detective Garland believes that he was treated in a disrespectful manner because of the color of his skin,” the report states.

Garland also told investigators he was “very upset” by the manner he was treated by the Jewish community.

Community-based Jewish patrols like Shomrim and Shmira have been criticized for inflaming racial tensions and allegedly taking the law into their own hands.

The son of a black cop was allegedly beaten by a Shmira member last April in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

(Source: NY Daily News / YWN-112)

Crown Heights - One calamity after another has befallen the Chabad community at large. Young lives have been taken from us, Jews are facing prosecution, and others already sit in prison.

Most Crown Heights residents wave their hands dismissively when the case against six Shomrim members is brought up. “It’s just politics,” they say. Despite the fact that these are fellow Jews, the young men standing trial on Wednesday are also the volunteers who altruistically aid the community daily, in countless ways. It would be commendable of the community to now actively take a stand for fellow Jews and give support to those who have been on-call 24/7 to serve others.

It is no longer merely politics. The case, which until now many have been dismissive of, has reached and crossed the threshold of trial by jury. Six Shomrim volunteers are facing years of real jail time if convicted.

“This is no longer politics,” says Aron Hershkop, a Shomrim coordinator. “This is now a Pidyon Shvuim matter, and we need the community’s help.”

In a prepared statement, Shomrim said that while serving the community for more than a decade, they requested no monetary contributions, yet with the trail just one day away, they are now looking to the community for support.

A statement by Shomrim:

For over 15 years, Shomrim, under its current leadership, has been gladly helping the Crown Heights community - from assisting a crime victim in filing a police report, to helping someone with a flat tire - without ever once asking for anything in return.

Unfortunately, the situation has changed and six of our volunteers are facing serious criminal charges stemming from an incident in which they were called for assistance.

Each of the six volunteers has a lawyer and the costs of going to trial are too great for them to be able to individually bear. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent, and with the trail just one day away, we ask for the community we so generously help to return that kindness and help us cover our costs.

Various Rabbonim including Rabbis Schwei, Osdoba and Segal have expressed support verbally, while Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky has written the following letter:

7 Mar Chesvhan, 5770
October 26, 2009

To kindhearted brethren of Klal Yisrorel; Sheyichyu

Greetings and blessing,

Torah rule dictates that Jewish people should bring their disputes, arguments and grievances against a fellow Jew to a Beis Din. Going to the civil court system is a heinous iniquity and a blatant contemptuous behavior against Torah.

Unfortunately, due to the laxity of some in this regard, a group of people are now in court defending themselves against a possible seven year incarceration and a lawsuit of 150 million dollars, G-d forbid.

These men are family heads who have altruistically given much time for the enhancement of the security and wellbeing of the Crown Heights neighborhood.

While there are good chances, IY”H, that they will be vindicated, nevertheless, large sums of money have already been expended for their defense and much more is immediately needed.

This is a bona-fide case of PIDYOM SHEVUYIM which is one of the most prominent forms of tzedoko.

I urge you to extend your benevolent generosity to this most worthy cause and well-deserving members of K’lal Yisroel,

May we speedily witness the elevating of the Torah banner and the ultimate redemption. With profuse advance thanks and blessings to merit Divine rewards, I remain,

Sincerely Yours,
[signature]
Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky

Court will be reconvening tomorrow, Wednesday, where jury selection will begin, followed by the trial, in which the District Attorney will be presenting their case to the court in hopes of securing a conviction.

For those who would like to attend the trial proceedings and show support, you are welcome to. The trial is taking place at 320 Jay Street which is the New York State Supreme Court on the second floor in the Ceremonial 1 court room, starting at 10:00am on Wednesday October 28th.

Contributions can be mailed to Shomrim office at:

537 East New York Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225

You may also contribute by Credit Card at the Shomrim Defense Fund website, Click Here.

(YWN Desk - NYC / CrownHeights.info)

A knife-wielding carjacker who was furtively tailed by Shomrim ended up in a vehicle he had planned to avoid: one driven by police.The thug allegedly ordered a Jewish man to abandon his Honda Odyssey as he was parking on Berry Street near Broadway at around 11:40 p.m. on Monday night, according to a Shomrim spokesperson.

The 24-year-old minivan owner scoffed at the demand but then bailed out when the white, early-20s perpetrator pulled out a four-inch knife and threatened to kill him.

As his minivan was driven off, the victim called Shomrim and police.

About a half-hour later, Shomrim volunteers scouring the neighborhood for the stolen minivan spotted it going down South 8th Street in Williamsburg and alerted police. When the suspect parked near Wythe Street and walked away, Shomrim kept up the nonchalant pursuit on foot for a couple of blocks, until police arrived.

The Shomrim spokesperson said the suspect was arrested and charged with robbery and carjacking. The victim identified the suspect to police, who confiscated a knife during the arrest.

Police are investigating the incident. A commander from the 90th precinct called Shomrim coordinator Yanky Itzkowitz, praising the organization for its role in facilitating the arrest.

The Shomrim source said the undamaged minivan was returned to its owner.

(Hamodia / YWN-112 / YWN Desk - NYC)

12:30AM EST: Williamsburg Hatzolah is treating a patient in front of the Concord Wedding Hall after being assaulted by a weapon inside his vehicle. The location is Bedford Avenue and Flushing Avenue.

The extent of the injuries and what type of weapon was displayed/used are unknown at this time.

YWN is being informed that Williamsburg Shomrim have apprehended a suspect at this time.

(YWN BBRY Tip Staff)

11:50PM EST: A 4-car MVA on New Utrecht Avenue & 52nd Street involved a member of Boro Park Shomrim and another from Boro Park Chaverim.

At least 2 people were taken to local hospitals, unknown if they are the Shomrim or Chaverim members.

All patients are reportedly in stable condition.

It is unknown to YWN if the Shromrim member was responding to an emergency at the time of the crash.

Click HERE for photos by Hillel Engel.

I’m sure during you life time many of you have been a victim of some type of crime. Many losses in crimes, you would just go through your insurance and it wouldn’t effect or change your life. When it comes to being a victim of a home burglary things change. You feel invaded, you lose jewelry that has sentimental value, savings that is kept in your home, you have the hassle of filing a police report and waiting for the Evidence Collection team to search for fingerprints, etc.

When walking down a street It is not too difficult to figure out who is home and who is away or on vacation. Burglars know exactly what there looking for. The point of these Burglary Tips is to diffuse them by thinking you are home. Please follow these safety tips carefully and hopefully you won’t be the next victim.

If you are planning on being away:

*Stop the mail deliveries with your local Post Office. (Having an overstuffed mail box is a sign that you are not home)

*Have a neighbor collect any flyers, newspaper or magazines dropped off at your door.

*Ask a neighbor to utilize at least one of your garbage cans and to put it out a night before collection as if you would do if your were home. (please remember to ask them to pull back the empty can)

*If the weather is warm leave one air conditioner on fan. (Fan on will defray your electric cost) If you feel uncomfortable doing so with a window unit than you can leave a pail filled with water outside underneath your unit. (This may look like your unit may have just turned off)

*Leave a few radios on in the house. (Kitchen and master bedroom)

*Make sure your shabbos clocks are turning on and off your lights. (A house without any lights on in evening is a sign you may not be home)

*Keep window shades slightly open but not enough for someone to look in to see an unoccupied home.

*Make sure all windows and doors are locked and secure.

*If you have a driveway ask a neighbor to utilize it.

*If you have an alarm make sure to use it. (give a trusted neighbor a key to your house and alarm number in order to shut off if your alarm is faulty)

*Make sure any outside lights you may have are turned on.

*If you have a camera system please make sure it records.

*ABSOLUTELY DO NOT KEEP ANY VALUABLES (JEWLERY, CASH, ETC) IN YOUR MASTER BEDROOM OR HOME OFFICE. THE FIRST AND SOMETIMES ONLY PLACE BURGLARS RANSACK ARE THE TWO ABOVE.

*If you don’t have an alarm, outside lighting, window gates, etc. and would like to upgrade your security options you may call your local precinct Crime Prevention Officer to get a security survey (free of charge).

(Prepared for YWN by Flatbush Shomrim)

It was a crime-fighting mitzvah.

Eagle-eyed members of the Flatbush Shomrim, helped bust a petty street thief, officials said.

The watchmen spotted Robert Drach, 32, peering into parked cars on Quentin Road near East 22nd Street in Marine Park at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, sources said.

They witnessed him allegedly opening the door to a 2008 Nissan, rummaging through the car and swiping a GPS device, a cellphone charger and an E-ZPass transmitter. The civilian-patrol members alerted cops and continued to follow Drach as he allegedly broke into a Honda Odyssey.

Drach was soon busted and charged with petit larceny and possession of stolen property, said a spokesman for DA Charles Hynes.

(Source: NY Post)

[YWN VIDEO & PHOTO LINKS BELOW] At 9:00PM on Thursday evening, Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited Mountain Fruit located on Avenue M and East 16th Street for some Rosh Hashanah shopping.

The Mayor purchased a large jar of honey to dip his apple into on Rosh Hashanah night, a star fruit for a “Shechaynu”, and some items from the “take-out” department - including a potato knish (for the ride home?).

The Mayor spent approximately 15-20 minutes inside the establishment greeting the many people who were packed into the store doing their Yom Tov shopping. He wished everyone who approached him a “Shana Tova”.

After exiting the store, he was given a tour by Flatbush Shomrim founder Chaim Deutsch of the brand new Flatbush Shomrim Command Center parked outside. The Mayor was impressed with the state-of-the-art vehicle, which was paid with hefty grants from the City Council and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

Deutsch explained to the mayor that the Command Center is used for everything from finding missing children and aiding elderly residents to crime prevention, and it’s on standby around the clock. The command center was recently rolled out and parked on a residential street in Midwood to help combat a spate of house break-ins and harassment of local youths.

YWN VIDEO & PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for a video & HERE for photos taken by Shimon Gifter & Hillel Engel.

As is done each year, the Williamsburg Jewish community held meetings with the NYPD to discuss the communities security needs for the upcoming Yomim Tovim (Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, Simchas Torah). The meetings are attended by Askonim representing their communities, NYPD, Shomrim, and elected officials.

There were two meetings held last week, and YWN has video & photos from both events.

Click HERE for photos & click HERE for video [by Shezoli] of the meeting held by UJO.

Click HERE for photos, & click HERE for video [by Shezoli] of the meeting held by UJCARE.

(YWN Desk - NYC)

The following is a NY Post report:

Jolanta Uscilowska, 47, allegedly swiped thousands of dollars in diamond bracelets, diamond earrings, gold chains and rings from a Williamsburg apartment where she worked.

At 1:40 p.m. Thursday, the homeowner, a 29-year-old woman, spotted Uscilowska leaving her bedroom with a plastic bag containing the jewelry in the apartment on Flushing Avenue near Marcy Avenue, police said.

The victim quickly called the Williamsburg Shomrim patrol, a volunteer watchdog group.

A Shomrim patrolman responded and confronted Uscilowska, who allegedly tossed the jewelry at him and pleaded, “I don’t want any problems. I just want to leave.”

The volunteer held her until cops came and busted her for grand larceny.

A Brooklyn priest has a new appreciation for interfaith dialogue — after a neighborhood patrol of religious Jews helped collar the check-forger targeting his church.

Quick-acting members of the Shomrim Patrol, a volunteer watchdog group of Orthodox Jews, tipped off cops to the location of the alleged serial forger who wrote three phony checks in the name of Our Lady of Refuge Church on Ocean Avenue in Kensington, police said.

“I’m grateful that Shomrim does what it does. In protecting their own community, they protect the whole community,” said the Roman Catholic church’s pastor, Rev. Michael Kerry.

Wajid Hussain, 23, allegedly tried to pass a bogus check for $871.45 at Dependable Check Cashing on Avenue J in Midwood.

The suspicious clerk joined the Shomrim in their patrol car and cruised around the neighborhood until he spotted Hussain going into a nearby Chase bank on Coney Island Avenue.

Hussain, 22, was charged with four counts of possession of a forged instrument and attempted petit larceny. He made bail and was released.

(Source: NY Post)

[Click HERE for photos] Monroe, NY - Over a dozen Jewish community leaders and clergy from throughout New York State gathered last night near the Village of Kiryas Joel in a private setting, to honor New York State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt.

Participants, joined by numerous sheriffs and other law-enforcement personnel, hailed Superintendent Corbitt for his role in monitoring safety and security at the Sloatsburg Rest Area on the New York State Thruway, a stop heavily trafficked by the state’s sizable Orthodox community, especially during the summer season.

Thousands of New Yorkers of all faiths travel to the Catskills every Thursday night throughout June, July and August-and as such, the state’s Thruway Authority designated an area at the Sloatsburg stop for afternoon/night prayers between 4:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.

At the gathering, participants also expressed deep gratitude to Superintendent Corbitt, First Deputy Superintendent Pedro Perez, and Commander Robert Meyers of the New York State Police’s Troop T for their remarkable accommodations for religious travelers.

“It is my great honor to be here tonight with the Friedmans. Rabbi Morton Friedman and his son Abe have given guidance to me and many of my staff and members of the New York State Police,” said Corbitt. “I also thank all community leaders for this great award that you have given to me. [As for] the Minchah area, I will continue to make sure all communities from all faiths have a safe and secure environment at the Sloatsburg area.”

“Throughout the summer season, the New York State Police, under the stewardship of Superintendent Harry Corbitt, have shown a sustained and commendable devotion to maintaining the well-being and protection of travelers of all faiths. Their gallant efforts are immensely appreciated by every member of the community they serve so nobly,” said Rabbi Morton Friedman, activist and Jewish chaplain for the New York State Troopers PBA who oversees the prayer area.

Longtime New York State Police Special Assistant, noted activist Rabbi Bernard Freilich said, “The entire New York State Police and its members are appreciated for their devotion and professionalism shown to the greater Jewish community.”

“I’m here tonight to participate in honoring the New York State Police for their great deeds of working with the Jewish community,” said State Sen. Eric Adams. “As a senator involved in many communities I can state: I’m proud to be a part of this community and I’m proud to be a part of the work of great leaders like Rabbi Morton and Abe Friedman. They are true leaders and an example of building bridges between the community and law enforcement throughout New York.”

Some others participating in the event, were Catskills Hatzolah Coordinator Bernie Gibs. Sullivan County Sheriff Chaplain Simcha Bernath, Abe Friedman - Sullivan County Special Assistant, Rensselaer County Sheriff Chaplain Rabbi Joel Lefkowitz, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinator Jabob Itzkowitz, NYC Sheriff Chaplain Joel Friedman, and others.

(YWN Desk - NYC)

[VIDEO LINK BELOW] Today, Chaim Deutsch, Founder of the Flatbush Shomrim, endorsed Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s bid for re-election. The Flatbush Shomrim is a group of neighborhood volunteers who conduct safety patrols throughout the Flatbush area, regularly reporting conditions and potential criminal activity to the local police precincts. Mr. Deutsch, a native New Yorker who has lived in Flatbush for over 21 years, founded the Flatbush Shomrim 18 years ago with the goal of providing a safer community for his friends and family.

“I started the Flatbush Shomrim when crime in our area was rapidly getting out of control. Under Mayor Bloomberg, crime has dropped to its lowest point in 40 years,” said Mr. Deutsch. “As someone deeply concerned with our city’s safety, I can unequivocally say that Mike Bloomberg has put our well-being first and deserves to be re-elected in November.”

“Chaim and the volunteers who patrol Flatbush do a great service for their community,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “I am proud of the work we have done across this city to reduce crime by nearly 30%, and this year we are on course to keep crime at historic lows. I am grateful to Chaim and I appreciate his continued support.”

Under Mayor Bloomberg’s leadership, New York City’s crime rate is at its lowest level in over 40 years. In the Flatbush area, crime is down in the 67th and 70th precincts by roughly 35% since 2001, and an additional 15% so far this year.  In keeping with his commitment to making communities better for New Yorkers, the Mayor overhauled the City’s Noise Code and introduced NYPD Operation Silent Night, which targets problem areas for increased enforcement of noise code violations.  Additionally, New York City’s streets are the cleanest they have been in more than 30 years.

Click HERE for video of the endorsement.

(YWN Desk - NYC)

UPDATE BELOW: Boro Park & Flatbush Shomrim are currently conducting a search for a missing elderly Alzheimer’s patient missing since 9:45AM from Scharome Manor (Ocean Parkway & Foster Avenue).

The missing’s name is Moishe Yaakov Weiberger (Moish). He suffers from Alzheimer’s and is unaware of his surroundings. He was last seen wearing black pants and white shirt. Possible glasses. No hat or jacket. He walks slowly. Has grey/white hair and a beard.

The NYPD 70pct are calling a Level 1 Mobilization in regards to this incident. They awaiting K9, and aviation is cancelled due to the weather.

Anyone with information please contact Shomrim at 718-871-6666.

UPDATE: The mkissing person has Boruch hashem been found. the family thanks everyone for their assistance.

(Eli Gefen - YWN)

An explosion has ripped through a building’s flat in north London. Firefighters rushed to the blast this morning and rescued a man who was taken to hospital suffering from burns.

Residents from surrounding properties were evacuated.

The force of the explosion tore the front off the property in Bell Lane, Hendon, this morning.

The explosion also caused damage to a shop underneath the flat, which is owned by a company belonging to Jewish multimillionaire Leo Noe. Mr Noe, who is worth £600m, was notified and arrived at the property in Bell Lane, Hendon, shortly afterwards.

Members of the voluntary Jewish North West Community Patrol who, had been patrolling the surrounding area, were first on the scene.

Members of the voluntary Jewish North West Community Patrol were first on scene at the incident. They were partolling the surrounding streets at the time of the explosion. In the 2006 Sunday Times rich list Mr Noe, 55 was listed at number 168, with a wealth of 380 million. Mr Noe who was at a family wedding last night when he heard about the explosion. He immediately rushd to the scene in his Rolls Royce.

Mr Noe, who was at a family wedding last night, was brought to the site in a Bentley.

The 55-year-old, who is ranked 70th in the 2009 Sunday Times rich list, is known for his shrewd reading of the property market.

A spokesman for the tycoon said: ‘Our only concern is for the man who has been injured.’

The London Fire Brigade investigation team established the cause of the fire as a gas explosion and detectives from Barnet CID are now investigating the cause.

They have not disclosed any more information but the incident is not being treated as racially motivated.

DS Mark Tyrrell said: “The explosion and resulting fire caused massive damage to the premises and has affected properties in the surrounding area, it is a miracle that not more people were hurt as a result.

“Enquiries will continue at the scene to establish exactly what has happened and I would ask anyone with information to call police.”

A man, aged 39, suffering burns was seen to exit the premises, and was taken by ambulance to the Royal Free Hospital.

He has been transferred to a specialist burns unit where his condition is understood to be critical.

An elderly woman whose house backs onto the premises, suffered shock when her windows were blown out, and was treated at the scene.

A woman aged 26 and a man aged 31 also received treatment for minor injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Barnet CID on 020 8733 4595 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(Source: Daily Mail)