Police were called to a building along a parade of shops following an explosion in Romford, northeast London.

Homes were evacuated and people were urged to avoid the area around Farnham Road as officers investigated the cause of the blast.

The street has a row of shops on either side with flats above the premises.

The Metropolitan Police said the incident was not being treated as terror related.

They later confirmed the explosion was gas related and no one was injured.


Image: The road has a row of shops on either side with flats above the premises. File pic

Scotland Yard said: "Police were called shortly before 1.30pm 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 attended.

"The cause of the explosion has been confirmed as gas related.

"There have been no reported injuries.

"Local residents who were evacuated from their property are now able to return. All cordons have been lifted."