London underground 'terrorist incident': as it happened
UK security authorities are investigating an explosion on a London subway as a terrorist incident.
Explosion at Parsons Green
At 8:20 a.m. London time, emergency services responded to a reported "explosion" at the Parsons Green underground station in the city's southwest. Panicked morning commuters said they heard a loud bang and saw flames flashing through one of the carriages.
Panic and shock
As passengers ran out of the train, some reportedly trampled on others trying to escape through a single exit. Witnesses said some of the injured had bad facial burns and hair falling off. Twenty-two people were later treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
A flaming white bucket
Multiple images and videos quickly appeared on social media showing a white bucket in flames near the entrance to a District Line underground carriage. Other images appeared to show wires hanging from the side of the object.
Security services arrive
London Metropolitan Police deployed regular police and bomb disposal squad members to investigate the scene. At 11:18 a.m., Metropolitan Police declared they were investigating the explosion as a "terrorist incident." A police spokesman later confirmed an improvised explosive device caused the blast.
Near the heart of London
Located in southwest London, Parsons Green is one of the more affluent and residential areas of city. The underground station is on the District Line, running from Wimbledon in the south to Edgware Road in the north. Subway services were partly suspended on the route, causing major delays.
British leaders react
British Prime Minister Theresa May sent her condolences via Twitter, saying "My thoughts are with those injured." London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that London would "never be intimidated or defeated by terrorism." Both announced they would attend a top-level security meeting on Friday afternoon. (Author: Alexander Pearson)