AROUND 80 people have been evacuated following an explosion at a block of flats in Rayners Lane earlier this morning.

Emergency services were called to the building, in Coles Crescent, near Drinkwater Road, just after 8am.

Harrow Council officers have confirmed 80 people have been evacuated to a community centre in Scott Crescent following the blast.

One man is being treated for serious burns.

The council has revealed the damaged flats are run by the Home Group, a local housing association.

More to follow.

To see Harrow Times video footage shot by photographer Simon Jacobs live at the scene of the explosion, click the link below.