The 37-year-old man involved in a “chemical incident” in Romford yesterday, has been arrested on suspicion of carrying sulphuric acid, Scotland Yard has said.

Police were called to a shop in Davidson Way at 3.50pm after reports that a substance had exploded.

A Met spokeswoman said: “It appears that the chemical was being carried in a bag when it exploded and leaked from the bag it was being transported in onto the road.”

Initial examination by specialist officers indicates that this was sulphuric acid.

Emergency services attended and the 37-year-old was treated for minor injuries.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and taken to an east London police station.

There were no other reported injuries.

London Fire Brigade attended and washed the chemical from the street.

There was a large emergency services presence in Davidson Way, with one onlooker saying: “There are blue lights everywhere.”

The road is part of a small retail park, with the main shop being Homebase, which does sell drain unblockers and other chemical substances.

Officers from East London Command Unit investigate. Inquiries continue.