Swimmers outside Archway Leisure Centre

BAREFOOT swimmers waited on the pavement in their swimsuits and goggles after being evacuated from Archway’s pool on Sunday when a fire broke out at the leisure centre.

Police have since launched an arson investigation, but no arrests have yet been made and nobody was injured in the small blaze.

The incident took place shortly before 2pm at the tail end of a family swim session, where babies and toddlers were among those enjoying the wave machine at Archway Leisure Centre’s pool.

Charlotte Phillips, who lives nearby and regularly swims at the pool with her family in the winter, was there with five children and another mother when the fire alarm went off.

“Everyone was wet, we were all barefoot, all in swimming costumes, and being ushered out a side door into the car park,” she told the Tribune.

“People were protesting because there were a lot of babies in armbands and younger children. Everyone assumed it wasn’t a real fire and it was unrealistic and unfair to ask all these families to go and stand in the freezing cold. Eventually the staff said, ‘You have to leave right now.’”

Around 30 people were evacuated and after a few minutes the shivering swimmers were given foil blankets and brought around to the front of the leisure centre in MacDonald Road where the fire brigade was waiting.

“We weren’t scared but it was obviously really cold and some children were crying,” Ms Phillips added.

“Being involved in a fire definitely made a big impression on the children, and then finding out it was done deliberately was a bit perplexing. But it wasn’t a traumatic experience, it was just surreal.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “At 14:09hrs on Sunday, 30 November officers were called by the London Fire Brigade after reports of a fire at Archway Leisure Centre, on Macdonald Road, N19.

“The building was evacuated by the London Fire Brigade. There were no reported injuries and the fire was quickly extinguished. Met officers assessed the scene and have subsequently launched an arson investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage. Enquiries are ongoing.”

GLL, which manages Archway Leisure Centre, were invited to comment.