At least five people have been wounded after an explosion at a Tube station in north London.

Three of them were treated for minor injuries at the scene at Southgate station and two others have been taken to hospital, said London Ambulance Service.

A witness said several people on a packed escalator had been trampled on after the explosion sparked 6ft-high flames.

The blast was thought to have been caused by a battery short circuit, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The station, about eight miles from central London, was closed and the area cordoned off amid reports of a suspicious package.


Police later said the security scare was not believed to be terror related.

Image: Police set up a cordon near Southgate station. Pic: Debbie

James Ayton, 34, from Southgate, was on an escalator when he saw a "quick burst" of flames at the top.

He said the flames were "6ft plus" and everyone "legged it". Mr Ayton said: "It wasn't a bang. It was like a very rapid whooshing sound."

He said the escalator was "packed", adding: "The Tube had just unloaded. The escalator was full."

Image: A police sniffer dog investigates a car near Southgate station. Pic: Hasan Hadi/Soughgate Solicitors

Mr Ayton said: "A few people got trampled on on the escalator. There was screaming.

"An old woman got trampled on. I had to carry a woman up the stairs. I think she was in shock to be honest. She couldn't walk, shaking."

Twitter user Salamander_Sean said he saw one person being taken out on a stretcher.

He wrote: "We have been told to stay inside. Suspect device found/gone off inside tube. Saw one person coming out on a stretcher."

Haluk Ozkan, who lives near Southgate, said he was waiting for a bus when there was a burning smell.

Image: The incident was thought to be caused by a battery short circuit

Speaking to Sky News, said the smell was "like a rubbery burning, quite distinct".

"We thought that it would be the bus engine or wheel spins being done by a car or something. But it obviously wasn't that, knowing what we know now."

He said: "We looked into the station and could see people scurrying, not running. There was no panic that I could see."

He added: "My partner saw a staff member (inside the station) grab the extinguisher to put something out.

"We didn't see what it was. It was obviously some sort of fire."

I was at Southgate Station when this commotion started. I could smell burning (like rubber) and saw multiple people hurrying for the exits. I was outside the station about to enter the 125 bus. Do not think this is fear mongering or fake news. It's very real. — Hal (@nakzokulah) 19 June 2018

Darren Yarlett, 36, was driving home in Southgate but police had cordoned off roads near the station.

He told the Standard: "The police moved us on, but they said there was an explosion in the station.

"There must be around 50 or 60 police, an ambulance, firearms and dog units."

London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "The incident at Southgate Tube station has now been confirmed as non suspicious. Thanks to @BTP, @metpoliceuk, @tfl staff and the emergency services for a swift and professional response."

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance Service said: "We were called today at 7.02pm to an incident at Station Parade, N14.

"We sent multiple resources to the scene, including... our hazardous area response team...

"We have treated three patients at the scene for minor injuries and have taken two people to hospital."

Image: Police investigated a suspicious package at the station

British Transport Police tweeted: "Officers remain at #Southgate station following a minor explosion earlier this evening.

"Investigations are ongoing, but the incident is not being treated as suspicious or terror related. Initial enquiries indicate the explosion was caused by a drill battery short circuiting."

Image: The explosion took place in north London

The Met said in a statement: "Police were called... to reports of an explosion and people running at Southgate underground station.

"Met officers attended the scene along with colleagues from British Transport Police (BTP), London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.

"The scene has been examined by specialist officers. It appears at this stage that the cause of the explosion was a battery short circuit. The Met Police and BTP are working together to establish the full facts."