East Croydon 'bomb scare' sees controlled explosion carried out near station
Police have confirmed they had to carry out a controlled explosion near East Croydon station to deal with a suspicious package this afternoon (September 20). Bomb disposal experts and police were called to Addiscombe Road while all trains through East Croydon station were halted and travellers told "DO NOT TRAVEL" to the station by Southern Rail.
The police were called to the scene just after 4pm and evacuated the road while the station and surrounding areas were then closed off at around 5pm, while specialists assessed the suspicious package.
They then blew it up in a controlled explosion 'as a precaution' which marked the end of the incident as officers were told to stand down around 6pm.
READ MORE: East Croydon station evacuated as 'suspect package' forces closure - disruption to at least 8pm
A Met Police spokesperson said: "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 video was posted online by a frustrated X user who wanted to go to EE but was unable to due to the large cordon surrounding the suspicious package. The caption read: "When I'm just trying to go to EE in Croydon but can't because someone thought that it would be a good idea to leave a suspicious package hanging around...I hope no one is hurt."
Delays are expected to last until 8pm with several trains being cancelled through East Croydon. There are several alternative routes recommended to be taken at no extra cost by Southern Rail. For full details follow our live blog here.
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