Five people injured and 41 homes evacuated after explosion in Hornchurch

At least five people have been injured after an explosion at a block of flats in east London.

Police were called to Ardleigh Green Road in Hornchurch following the blast at around 5pm on Monday night.

Scotland Yard said officers were unable to confirm the cause of the explosion.

Four people suffering minor injuries were treated at the scene and taken to hospital by ambulance. One person who was injured made their own way to hospital.

Jason Smedley, 46, managing director of Nail Harmony UK, close to the Bridge Point building, said he was in his office at the time.

"We felt the whole building shake," he said, adding that he could soon see "flames billowing".

Mr Smedley said the front of the flats had been "blown out" across the road.

41 flats were evacuated, and residents are in a temporary council shelter.