Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive materials after one of them was taken to hospital with serious burns as a result of chemicals apparently blowing up in his face.
A neighbour, Leanne Causer, 34, said she did not hear an explosion but described the moment screams reverberated through flats in Wolverton House, Chudleigh Road, Harold Hill, just before noon on Thursday last week.
She said: “Me and my neighbour were both asleep and got woken up by the sound of screams, constant, repetitive screams.”
Emergency services arrived and Claire Zirfas, 40, of Chudleigh Road, described the scene as being similar to “an episode of CSI”.
London Ambulance Service took the injured man, 22, to a specialist hospital for treatment, while police began to search the property. Forensic teams wearing blue full body-suits spent two days inside the flat and removed bags containing materials.
The 22-year-old and a 56-year-old man were later arrested and released on police bail until October 27.
Ms Causer said that the injured man was released from hospital but has since returned for further treatment.
Police said that the arrests are not related to terrorism.
Ms Causer added: “They are really quiet. I hardly hear any noise. They are normal.”
She said that the men arrested had an interest in fireworks and described the response to the incident as an over-reaction.
Ms Causer and Ms Zirfas said they had no concerns about living in close proximity to the two men.
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