Parsons Green terror attack: Station reopens as terror threat raised to 'critical'

Parsons Green tube station has re-opened the day after an attack which saw the UK terror threat raised to 'critical' by the Prime Minister.

Theresa May has raised the threat level from severe to critical, meaning not only that a terrorist attack is highly likely, but that a further attack may be imminent.

The military set to bolster security as police hunt the Parsons Green bomb "suspects", with armed officers carrying out patrols.

Parson Green Terrorist incident

Emergency services rushed to Parsons Green on Friday (September 15) morning responding to reports that a bag "exploded" on board a packed District Line train causing passengers to "suffer facial burns."

Twenty-nine people are known to have been injured during the attack in which an improvised explosive device was detonated on a tube train at Parsons Green tube station at around 8.20am.

Counter terrorism detectives are urging anyone with information about the terrorist attack at Parsons Green to contact police.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "Our investigation is continuing at speed and our priority is to identify, locate and arrest those responsible.

"Hundreds of police officers are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry, trawling through hours of CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

"The device and remnants left at the scene have been taken away and are being examined by forensic experts.

"While this work is ongoing, there is no doubt in my mind that those responsible intended to cause great harm and injury.”

So far, detectives have spoken to 45 witnesses and continue to receive information from the public to the confidential anti-terrorist hotline.

The public has sent 77 images and videos to investigators via the UK Police Image Appeal website.

Parsons Green terror attack: Images from the scene

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Assistant Commissioner Rowley continued: "My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this terrible attack. It is an attack on all of us.

"I urge communities across the UK to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately. Please do not hesitate, no matter how insignificant you may think the information you have is – please let us decide. It could be crucial.”

Communities across the UK can expect to see more officers, both armed and unarmed, on patrol by foot and in vehicles over the weekend.

In particular, they will be patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites, transport hubs and ports.

This may mean disruption for those who are travelling. The public are asked to be patient and plan ahead, allowing time for delays.

Police at the scene of Parsons Green station (Image: PA)

Police are reviewing the security of events across the UK and working with businesses and organisers to make events as secure as possible.

Security checks at events will be enhanced, so people attending events should arrive early and allow extra time for these checks.

Police suggest that if you don’t need to take a bag, don’t take it.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or, in an emergency, always call 999.

Anyone with footage or images from the incident is urged to upload them at the police appeal website where they will be looked at by investigators.