Passersby were startled by a loud explosion in Ilford High Road this afternoon.

The explosion was from the underside of a fire engine which had just left Ilford fire station at about 2.30pm. A fire officer said it was believed to be from a gas cylinder stored in the engine.

Watch Commander Pat Hegarty said it was still unclear what had happened and there would be an investigation.

Fire officers were arranging for the engine to be towed away.

Mr Hegarty said the engine and its crew was on the way to fit smoke alarms in homes.