31 January 2011 Last updated at 16:42 ET

'Gas explosion' at Newington Green flats

Aden Grove has been cordoned off at its junction with Green Lanes as police investigate the blast

A suspected gas explosion has destroyed a flat in north-east London.

Firefighters were called to Aden Grove in Newington Green at 1820 GMT. The ground floor of a five-storey block was affected and 43 people were evacuated.

Those who cannot return to their homes immediately have been taken to Stoke Newington Town Hall, where an emergency shelter has been set up.

London Fire Brigade said not everyone was accounted for but police said they were not aware of any casualties.

A witness reported a smell of gas before the blast, the fire service added.

"It was so powerful it blew the back door open and the whole house shook," said BBC journalist Tabby Cole, who lives near to the scene.

"People were running into the street to see what was going on."

'Absolutely terrified'

Ilona De Nemethy Sanigar, who lives on Aden Grove, said it was "the loudest bang you could ever imagine".

"The house shook so much that I actually thought it was collapsing and dived under my desk."

Ms De Nemethy Sanigar said she was "absolutely terrified" but was relieved her home was not the one affected.

A neighbour had said "all the windows were blown out" of the property involved, she added.

There are several fire engines in the street, which has been closed at its junction with Green Lanes.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said there had been a gas explosion but no fire.

He added that there were reports of a hissing sound, potentially from escaping gas.