London bus bomb stunt 'bigger than expected' Published duration 8 February 2016

media caption The explosion was filmed by London Fire Brigade, who were on standby in case anything went wrong

A film stunt that saw a London bus blown up was larger than expected, transport bosses have said.

People involved in the 7 July London bombings said the sight of the bus exploding as it crossed Lambeth Bridge on Sunday was "insensitive".

Transport for London said it gave permission for road closures but were starting a review as the blast was bigger than indicated by filmmakers.

The bus scene features in forthcoming Jackie Chan movie, The Foreigner.

David Videcette, a former counter-terrorism officer who investigated the 7/7 attacks, which included 12 people being killed as a double-decker bus was blown up in Tavistock Square, said he first saw Sunday's stunt on social media.

"My initial reaction was of horror and shock, and I thought, 'Oh my god, it's happened again'," he said.

"I understand a letter was sent to residents and there was permission from the council and perhaps the mayor's office, but it was very insensitive not to tell people what was going to happen in advance."

image copyright PA image caption Transport for London apologised for any distress caused by the stunt

Footage of the explosion was captured by London Fire Brigade, whose crews were on standby if anything went wrong.

John Taylor, whose 24-year-old daughter Carrie was killed at Aldgate Station on 7/7, also told The Mirror the stunt was "insensitive" and more care should have been taken to inform people about the explosion.

Transport for London's Garrett Emmerson said: "Permission for the road closures for filming on Lambeth Bridge on Sunday was agreed in consultation with a number of partners including the relevant London boroughs.

"The explosion that took place was far larger than the film company had originally indicated.

"We apologise for the distress that this has caused and have launched a review of filming protocols with our partners."

BBC London has approached the film company for a comment.