The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Five people have been injured after the blast at Southgate Tube Station.

Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a "suspicious package" – however British Transport Police confirmed the explosion is not terror-related.

Police have sinced confirmed a "minor explosion" at the busy London Tube station around 7pm yesterday.

The area was on lockdown, with people evacuated from nearby buildings, restaurants and a gym.

Three people were treated at the scene according to BTP – and two others were taken to hospital.

According to police, a battery short circuit was the cause of the explosion.

(Image: ROANNADMARIA/TWITTER)

(Image: TWITTER)

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were called at 7.03pm on Tuesday, 19 June, 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.

"We are not aware of any serious injury."

A University of London student Haluk Ozkan, 26, who was at the scene claimed he could smell burning and saw people hurrying towards exits.

(Image: TWITTER)

“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.”

He told Daily Star Online: "Station staff were scurrying around inside and people were rushing out of the exit."

British Transport Police spokesman said last night: "Southgate Tube station is currently closed whilst officers respond to a suspicious package.

(Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

"Officers are on scene alongside @metpoliceuk. Please avoid the area – we'll provide updates as soon as we can."

Members of the public were being advised to remain clear of the area.

A TfL spokesman tweeted from the official Piccadilly Line account: "We currently have no service between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters due to a fire alert at Southgate."

He added around midnight: "A good service has resumed on the line, however Southgate station remains closed due to the police investigation."

(Image: TWITTER)

James Ayton, 34, from Southgate, was on the "packed" escalator when he saw a "quick burst" of flames at the top and said everyone "legged it".

He said there had been a "very rapid whooshing sound".

He added: "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."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised emergency services for "a swift and professional response" to the incident.

(Image: TWITTER)

Numerous witnesses took to Twitter in a state of panic – having been ushered to safety by police.

"Got escorted out of my flat next to #Southgate tube station. All cornered off but we’re not getting many answers. I have no bra on, one hand painted and my hairs wet."

Another added: "Stuck in an Indian restaurant opposite #Southgate station because of a suspect bomb going off inside (the station)."

A London Ambulance spokesperson said yesterday: “We were called today at 7.02pm to an incident at Station Parade, N14.

“We sent multiple resources to the scene, including a number of ambulance crews, our hazardous area response team, a medic in a fast response car, an advanced paramedic and an incident response officer.

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

“We remain on scene, working with other emergency service colleagues.”