Parsons Green fire declared ‘terrorist incident’

Several people have been injured after an “improvised explosive device” partially detonated on an Underground train. Parsons Green station was locked down when a fire broke out on a train at around 8.20am on Friday (September 15). Eyewitnesses reported hearing a bang and seeing a fireball flying down the carriage. Pictures taken at the scene show a white bucket on fire inside a LIDL supermarket bag, with wires dangling on the floor. The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed the incident was terror-related. Twenty-two people are being treated in hospital, mostly for burn injuries. None are thought to be serious or life-threatening. Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said the explosion came from an “improvised explosive device” and asked the public to “remain vigilant”. “There are many urgent inquiries ongoing with hundreds of detectives involved, looking at CCTV, carrying out forensic work and speaking to witnesses,” he added. Mr Rowley refused to confirm whether anyone had been arrested. Speaking in Downing Street after chairing a COBRA meeting this afternoon, Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed there would be an increased armed police presence in London and on public transport. She added: “My thoughts are with those injured at Parsons Green and the emergency services who, once again, are responding swiftly and bravely to a suspected terrorist incident.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Our city utterly condemns the hideous individuals who attempt to use terror to harm us and destroy our way of life. “As London has proven again and again, we will never be intimidated or defeated by terrorism. “I am in close contact with the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, Government and other emergency services who are responding at the scene and leading the investigation. I will be attending the emergency COBRA meeting in Whitehall this afternoon with the Prime Minister. “My sincere gratitude goes to all our courageous emergency responders and the TfL staff who were first on the scene.” Home Secretary Amber Rudd added: “Once more people going about their everyday lives have been targeted in a callous and indiscriminate way. My thoughts are with all those injured and affected. “The police and emergency services were quickly on the scene and I would like to pay tribute again to their professionalism and tireless commitment. “I am receiving regular updates on what is an ongoing and active investigation. “I would urge Londoners to remain alert and assist the police and emergency services as much as they can.”