Naked man ‘escorted away by cops’ as flat explodes into flames in ‘scary’ scene
A naked man was taken away by police in handcuffs after a London flat exploded into flames, sparking an evacuation as smoke filled a busy residential street.
The 40-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and GBH and one police officer was hospitalised with burn injuries.
A 23-year-old woman filmed the dramatic incident while working from home in Batavia Mews, New Cross on Friday afternoon.
The merchandising admin assistant told the Daily Star: "He was stark naked when they brought him out and they covered him in a foil wrap to put him in the van.
"First saw him at 1.35pm, I didn’t recognise him but I believe he came from the home of the explosion, he was naked when they brought him out.
"He was calm and cooperative. I was so shocked, I quickly called my manager because I’m too distracted and scared to finish work.
"It was really scary seeing the police shouting and evacuating people.
"I didn’t know much of what happened, just heard a lot of commotion and a small explosion, lots of police and dogs
"The police seemed to be there before the explosion happened They've evacuated people in close proximity."
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She said she did not recognise the man or hear what was being discussed with the man, but confirmed she saw him in handcuffs.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed to the Daily Star that no charges have been laid at this point.
Lewisham Metropolitan Police Service tweeted: "Police were called at around 13:32hrs in response to an incident at Batavia Mews, New Cross earlier this morning.
"As officers entered the premises, they heard an explosion. LAS and LFB were called and attended the scene, where they discovered a fire at the premises.
"One officer has sustained burn injuries and has been taken to a hospital in south London. Her injuries are currently thought to be non-life threatening.
"A man, aged 40, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and GBH at the scene.
"He has been taken to a police station in south London. Road closures have been put into place both ways on New Cross Road to the junction with Clifton Road.
"At this stage, the incident is not thought to be terror related."
In a statement, London Fire Brigade said: "Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters have been called to a fire at a flat above a shop on Batavia Mews in New Cross.
"Most of a five-roomed flat on the third floor of the building was destroyed by fire.
"One police officer was taken to hospital for precautionary checks by London Ambulance Service. Thankfully no other injuries are reported.
"Station Commander James Ryan is at the scene, he said: "'The A2 New Cross Road, from the junction of Lewisham Way to New Cross Gate railway station, was closed and has now reopened but due to the disruption caused motorists are advised to avoid the area at this time."'
"The Brigade was called at 1334 and the fire was under control by 1522. Fire crews from New Cross, Deptford, Old Kent Road and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Met Police and London Fire Brigade."
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