Builders injured by police station blast

The building in Croydon was evacuated after the blast, which left one contractor in a serious condition, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

Health and safety investigators were also called in to investigate the incident, which happened at 11.25am.

The explosion caused a fire in the police station basement, the spokesman said.

“Inquiries are under way to establish the cause of the incident,” he said.

“This incident is not believed to be terrorist-related at this early stage.”

The spokesman added: “It is believed four people have received injuries.

“One is believed to be in a serious condition, one is believed to be in a stable condition and two are believed to have suffered from smoke inhalation.

He said the borough remains “fully operational” for police, adding: “There has not been any disruption to service.”

However, later yesterday officers were still unable to specify what building work had been taking place involving the contractors.

As well as ambulances, a London Fire Brigade spokesman said six engines and 30 firefighters from five stations in the nearby area were sent to the scene in Park Lane.

The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that as well as the four builders, three other people were also injured and five people altogether were taken to hospital for treatment.