Shocked Barking residents awoken by 'explosions' in early hours of the morning

Explosion: Residents were awoken in the early hours of the morning
Richard Lund

Residents in east London were woken up by a "series of explosions" in the early hours of this morning.

An electrical fire is believed to have caused explosions just outside Barking Town Hall.

Resident Richard Lund was startled by the blasts at around 3.30am. He looked out of his window and saw plumes of black smoke.

The 29-year-old told the Evening Standard: “The first one woke me up. The second two were smaller but still loud enough to know what they were.

The explosions are believed to have been caused by an electrical fire
Richard Lund

“I'd woken up enough to gather myself. I was worried there might be people in the building but the fire service attended very quickly.

“The second and third explosions were while they were on the scene so naturally you worry for them.

“The fire smelled of electrics so I expect it was related in some way.”

An LFB spokeswoman confirmed they were called at 3.50am to reports of a fire in the Town Square.

Firefighters brought the fire at an electrical substation under control at 5.20am and a fire engine remains at the scene.

An investigation is due to take place into the cause of the fire.

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