Chaos at London train station which was 'evacuated' after 'suspicious package' found and 'loud bang' heard

East Croydon station

Police closed East Croydon station this evening after reports of "a suspicious package" as passengers were evacuated

PA
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 20/09/2024

- 18:04

Updated: 20/09/2024

- 18:39

Passengers have been warned not to travel to the train station

Police responded to reports of "a suspicious package" near East Croydon station this evening before a "controlled explosion" was carried out.

The Metropolitan Police said they were called to Addiscombe Road at 4.07pm this afternoon.


Officers said the station was evacuated and safety cordons were put in place while the item was assessed.

A controlled explosion at the location was carried out.

East Croydon station

Police closed East Croydon station this evening after reports of "a suspicious package" as passengers were evacuated

PA

Police have now stood down but enquiries remain ongoing.

Southern Rail have confirmed that trains are now calling at East Croydon as normal.

The rail operator posted on social media: "Trains are now able to call at East Croydon as normal.

"We are working to add stops back in to the trains timetables but this will need to be communicated to each train and driver approaching the area."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

A Met Police spokesperson told GB News: "At about 16:07hrs on Friday, 20 September, police were made aware of a suspicious package in Addiscombe Road, Croydon.

"Members of the public were evacuated and safety cordons were put in place while specialist officers assessed the item.

"As a precaution, specialist teams have conducted a controlled explosion at the location.

"This incident has now been stood down and enquiries remain ongoing."

A stock image of a police officer

Police have now stood down but enquiries remain ongoing

Getty

One local heard the "loud bang" while drinking in a pub near the south London station.

"I was drinking in the pub by East Croydon station when it was evacuated by police, shortly after a loud bang was heard from that vicinity," the person told Your Local Guardian.

The station has now reopened.

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