Police have carried out a ‘controlled explosion’ on a suspicious package which was found at East Croydon station.
Police were made aware of the package on Addiscombe Road, Croydon just after 4pm today.
People were evacuated from the station and surrounding area and safety cordons were put in place whilst officers inspected the item.
They decided to conduct a controlled explosion at the location as a precaution and said that the incident has now been stood down but enquiries remain ongoing.
East Croydon station was closed following the incident leaving commuters in chaos as they tried to get home from work.
Passengers who were already on trains expected to pull into East Croydon were told that there would be no further services stopping there but the service has now resumed.
Some social media users posted videos of police cars and officers at the scene with one warning others: ‘If you have a flight from Gatwick. AVOID EAST CROYDON STATION. ITS CLOSED.’
Another, who posted some aerial view footage of the area, said: ‘Looks to have all blown over now in East Croydon. Still don’t fully know what was going on.
‘Bomb threat, suspicious package…there was an absolute almighty bang though at some point, made me jump out of my skin! Even from the 20th floor!’
One woman was trying to get to the EE shop on the high street but could not get through because of the police cars and cordons. She posted a video of the area and said: ‘I hope no one is hurt’.
A spokesperson for the Met Police told : ‘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.’
has contacted the British Transport Police for comment.