Police Investigate Purple Liquid At Harrow Explosion

A house that was blown up in what was though initially to be a suspected gas explosion in Harrow had been targeted and vandalised, police have now said.

Police were called to the residential property at 9.40 on Wednesday after an explosion.

Twenty-six-year old Emad Qureshi was pronounced dead at the scene and a further two people were injured.

A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering from head injuries and a 17-year-old girl was also hospitalised suffering from 20% burns.

Police say that a purple liquid was poured through the letterbox about 10 hours before the property collapsed. A further two houses were demolished by the blast.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton said that it was "likely" that a 17-year-old woman who lived in a flat at the property was the target.

Mr Sutton said: "We still haven't ruled out a gas explosion but experts say it is unlikely to be the cause. What we can say is that we are happy there is no link to any terrorist organisation or acts here."

Speaking about the purple substance that was poured into the letterbox, Mr Sutton said: "It was a liquid substance and it was purple in colour. Until we can get access to the site of the explosion, that we believe to have been number 21, we are not in a position to say what that substance might have been."

At least 40 people remained in temporary hotel accommodation last night as the investigations continued into the blast.

It is thought that residents could face up to a week before being able to return to their homes.

It is reported that one resident had called police earlier in the day to complain about a gang of teenage girls outside the property.

(DS)