LONDON – COPS have scrambled to reports of an explosion in Essex asresidents are evacuated and roads are shut down.

It is not being treated as a terror-related incident but the Met have saidthe cause of the explosion is not known.

The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service have also been calledout to Harold Hill in Greater London this afternoon.

A Met Police statement said: “We await an update as to whether anyone isinjured.

“At this early stage officers are unable to confirm the cause of theexplosion but enquires are underway.

“Residents are in the process of being evacuated from the building. TheLocal Authority has been informed.

“Local road closures are in place. Motorists and pedestrians are advised toavoid the area.”