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Hornchurch homes evacuated following explosion in flats Hornchurch flats explosion: Two men arrested
(about 11 hours later)
Residents have been evacuated following reports of an explosion in a block of flats in east London. An explosion has ripped through a block of flats in east London causing the building to partially collapse.
Specialist firefighters along with a London Ambulance Hazardous Area Response Team were sent to the property on Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, shortly after 17:00 GMT. Two men have been arrested over the blast which happened at Bridge Point on Ardleigh Green Road in Hornchurch shortly after 17:00 GMT on Monday.
Five people needed hospital treatment and Transport for London said debris had been scattered across nearby roads. Firefighters said they had rescued 25 people as residents were evacuated from the building.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known. The arrested men, who both required hospital treatment, are being held on suspicion of arson.
The A127 is closed in both directions and motorists and pedestrians have been advised to avoid the area. London Ambulance Service said four people had been treated at the scene and taken to hospital, while a woman and a child trapped on the building's second floor had escaped down a fire brigade ladder.
Three ambulance crews, 10 fire engines and the Metropolitan Police are currently in attendance. A Havering Council spokesman said the explosion had happened in a ground-floor flat.
He said 41 properties had been evacuated and most residents went to a local McDonald's restaurant while alternative accommodation was found.
London Fire Brigade station manager Paul McClenaghan said: "Crews worked hard to get the fire under control and are now making efforts to ensure the structure of the building is safe.
"Firefighters will remain at the scene damping down any remaining pockets of fire for some time."
Police said road closures were in place and people were advised to avoid the area.