An explosion at a flat in Edgware on Saturday is being investigated by the Anti-Terrorist Branch.

A 20-year-old man died in the explosion, at Holgate Court, Kings Drive, shortly after 3.25pm. A woman, believed to be in her 50s, who was in the flat at the time, escaped with minor injuries and was treated for shock.

Immediately after the explosion the occupants of Holgate Court were taken to alternative accommodation as a precaution. The block of flats remains evacuated for the time being while a structural examination of the building is carried out.

A second evacuation of a separate block of flats - Salisbury Court in Kings Drive - was carried out at 10.33pm on Sunday as a precaution while police carried out forensic searches. The residents were able to return to the their homes later on Sunday evening.

At this stage, the cause of the explosion is unknown, although police are treating it as suspicious. A search of the flat has revealed a small quantity of potential explosive substances and other items which have been removed for forensic examination.

Anti-Terrorist Branch officers are keeping an open mind about the incident. At this early stage it is not believed to be terrorist related.

August 19, 2002 12:00