A man is fighting for his life in hospital after an explosion at a home in Stroud Green.

Police were first called to Stapleton Hall Road at around 11.50am yesterday (Wednesday, April 20), to reports of a man armed with a weapon.

The suspect, a man in his mid-fifties, is understood to have been involved in a housing dispute and bailiffs were believed to be at the address along with his family. 

Officers say an explosion then took place at the home, causing serious burns to the suspect, who was later taken to hospital and remains in a life-threatening condition.

Three police officers also sustained injuries during the incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Ten fire engines and some 72 firefighters from London Fire Brigade were also called to the scene, as were London Ambulance Service paramedics.

Crews brought a fire caused by the blast under control by 3.30pm. The address was evacuated as a precaution but no neighbouring properties were affected.

All of the basement of the terraced house was damaged by the fire. Part of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the property, as well as a shed in the rear garden, were also damaged in the blaze.

Emergency services are now conducting an investigation into how and why the incident took place. No arrests have been made.

Haringey borough commander, Chief Superintendent Helen Millichap, said: "This is a serious incident where several of my officers have been injured as well as a man at the property who remains in a critical condition.

"We are still investigating what happened and exactly how the explosion occurred.

"The officers who responded to this call faced a dangerous situation and I am proud of the courage they showed."

The investigation has also been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as a matter of procedure.