Man dies after Finsbury Park house explosion following stand-off with police and bailiffs

A man has died after an explosion at a home in north London followed a stand-off with bailiffs and police.

Wilton Stirling, 56, died in hospital four days after suffering serious burns in the explosion at the town house in Finsbury Park.

More than 70 firefighters were called to the property on Stapleton Hall Road as huge flames ripped through the building last Wednesday, and neighbouring houses were evacuated.

The dramatic scenes unfolded when bailiffs attended the basement property and a dispute broke out with Mr Stirling, who was said to be wielding a weapon.

Police officers were called to the scene and they attempted to communicate with him. However, he ran inside and a short while later an explosion came from within. Detectives believe an “accelerant” was poured around the property.

Mr Stirling was rushed to hospital and later transferred to a specialist burns unit, where he died on Sunday.

Five police officers were also injured in the explosion, with injuries including burns and a broken wrist. They were all taken to a north London hospital for treatment but have since been released.

Detectives from Haringey CID are continuing to investigate the incident and the cause of the explosion. It is not being treated as terrorism-related and no other people are being sought.

One witness told the Standard: “When the bailiffs came the man chased them around with an axe and knife.

"The police were called and came to try and calm him down.

“He ran into the basement and the police were trying to talk him round. That's when the explosion happened.”

A Met spokesman said the Independent Complaints Commission would be made aware of the incident.

They said: “As is routine, this investigation had been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards and in turn it the Independent Complaints Commission has been informed.”

The spokesman added: “Police were called at around 11:50hrs on Wednesday, 19 April, to reports of a man armed with a weapon in Stapleton Hall Road N4.

“A 56-year-old man who was involved in an ongoing housing dispute retreated into the property upon the arrival of officers.

“At this early stage it is believed that an accelerant was poured within the property. Officers attempted to communicate with the man but a short time later there was an explosion inside the address.”

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.