Emergency services respond to gas explosion in Harold Hill area of northeast London

Police say incident not being treated as terror-related

Emergency services responded to reports of an explosion in Harold Hill in northeast London, which was later found to be gas related.

The Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were on the scene on Farnham Road.

Local residents were evacuated from their homes.

The Met said the incident was not being treated as terror-related.

In a later update, police said the cause of the explosion was confirmed to be gas related.

There were no reported injuries.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police on Twitter said: "Officers along with other emergency services are currently on scene in Farnham Road #HaroldHill, following reports of an explosion.

"Cause n/k but not currently being treated as terror-related. We await updates re any injuries. Pedestrians & motorists advised to avoid the area."

The Met said: "The emergency services are currently on scene following reports on an explosion in Harold Hill.

"Police were called shortly before 13:30hrs on Sunday, 4 March to reports of an explosion at a premises in Farnham Road, Harold Hill.

"Officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service are currently at the scene.

"We await an update as to whether anyone is injured.

"At this early stage officers are unable to confirm the cause of the explosion but enquires are underway.

"Residents are in the process of being evacuated from the building. The Local Authority has been informed.

"Local road closures are in place. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area.

"This is not currently being treated as a terror-related incident."

One Twitter user described the scene as "a major incident."

Michael Roast, the manager for the Co-op in the area, tweeted: "Apologies to all our customers in Romford Harold Hill we have had to close our coop store on police advice due to an explosion. All colleagues have been evacuated safely. Great work by the store team."