Notts Police have said they are ‘ready to assist with specialist resources’ following a terror incident in south-west London which hospitalised 22 people.
Emergency services were called at around 8.20am on Friday September 15 to Parsons Green underground station in Fulham after reports of an explosion on a train.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the senior national co-ordinator for counter terrorism policing, has declared it a terrorist incident.
Metropolitan Police’s assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said: “It seems there was a detonation of an improvised device.”
He also said most of the 22 people suffered ‘flash burns’ and are not in a serious or life-threatening condition.
Chief Constable for Notts Police said: “Details are still emerging as to what has happened at Parsons Green this morning but it appears that a crude explosive device has been partially detonated.
“I know that this attack will cause concern for our communities following incidents in London and Manchester.
“I want to reassure everyone that we will be continuing to provide visible reassurance across Nottinghamshire and would urge our local communities to come together in unity in condemning acts such as this.
“Our thoughts are with the people of London today, including our colleagues in the Met, and we stand ready to assist with any necessary specialist resources as the investigation and operational response develops.”
Chard head from the fireball at #ParsonsGreen pic.twitter.com/9yohdYuHBj
— Peter Crowley (@cupid5tunt) September 15, 2017
One commuter Tweeted pictures of his injuries sustained because of the incident.
Pictures and videos on social media show a white bucket on fire inside a supermarket bag in one of the carriages.
#parsonsgreen pic.twitter.com/0OUV819EtE
— Sylvain Pennec (@sylvainpennec) September 15, 2017
Officers from Met Police and British Transport Police attended the scene along with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance service.
A major incident has been declared at nearby St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
Assistant director of operations at London Ambulance Service Natasha Wills said: “We can confirm we have taken 18 patients to hospital following the incident at Parsons Green underground station.
“We were called at 8.20am today, with the first ambulance crew arriving within five minutes.
“We have sent multiple resources to the scene including single responders in cars, ambulance crews and our hazardous area response team, with the first of our medics arriving in under five minutes.
“Our initial priority is to assess the level and nature of injuries.”
No trains are running between Earl’s Court and Wimbledon on the District Line of the underground.
No national rail services have been affected with all other tube services running as normal.
A statement from Met Police issued at 10.13am this morning said: “At present, we are aware of a number of people who have suffered injuries.
“It is too early to confirm the cause of the fire, which will be subject to the investigation that is now underway by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“The station remains cordoned off and we are advising people to avoid the area.
“We urge the public to remain calm but alert and if you have any concerns, see or hear anything suspicious then contact police.”
Anyone who has information that would assist detectives is urged to contact the hotline on 0800 789 321.
People from Nottingham have been Tweeting about the attack, including former leader of Nottinghamshire County Council Alan Rhodes and Notts Police officer Adam Pace.
Very concerned about the news coming out of London. https://t.co/uKwXVT8pOT
— Alan Rhodes (@CllrAlanRhodes) September 15, 2017
Labour councillor Alan Rhodes Tweeted: “Very concerned about the news coming out of London.”
Thoughts with those involved in the #ParsonsGreen incident.
Thoughts with those responding to that incident. 🚓🚑🚒#Police #Ambulance #Fire
— PC Adam Pace (@PCAdamPace) September 15, 2017
PC Adam Pace Tweeted: “Thoughts with those involved in the #ParsonsGreen incident.
“Thoughts with those responding to that incident.”
