Forest Gate fire: Plans under way to relocate police officers and staff

Teams of Metropolitan Police officers and staff are being relocated to other areas following a major fire at a London police station, the force said.

About 175 firefighters and 30 engines attended the station in Forest Gate from about 16:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Some 60 people were evacuated from the building and London Fire Brigade said the fire "destroyed" the roof.

Among teams to have moved is the 999 response team, which has been relocated to Plaistow Police Station.

There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire, but the Met said road closures around the station remain in place.

In a statement, the force said Forest Gate forensics and specialist unit teams had been relocated within Newham and Waltham Forest.

Firefighters worked to protect "essential police property" from the fire, London Fire Brigade said

While the station is closed, police say anyone due to return there on bail has been contacted and will need to report to Stratford Police Station.

This is also where a "mobile front counter" has been set up and it will operate 24-7, the statement continued.

Officers will also be temporarily stationed on the cordon outside Forest Gate police station to discuss any concerns from residents.

The Met said most officers and staff have been issued with replacement equipment "and this work will continue throughout this weekend".

Det Supt Charles Clare explained officers "have changed their shifts at short notice, shared uniform and kit, and flexed to fit around an awful set of circumstances in order to ensure business as usual for policing in Newham".

Four long turntable ladders were deployed to help tackle the fire from above, while drones were used to give firefighters a better view

He added: "Organisational units from across the Met have come together to ensure that officers are fully briefed, have the equipment to do their job and that the building housing them is fit for purpose.

"We have worked hard to ensure that policing has been unaffected by the fire and would like to reassure local residents and business that we are here for Newham."

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Supt Dan Card explained staff had "lost personal items in the fire, such as wedding rings and car keys".

Forensic evidence stored in lockers and fridges has been removed by officers and firefighters, and will be assessed in the coming days.

Supt Card said many had worked "beyond their shifts to support the emergency response".

Firefighters from Stratford, Leytonstone, Plaistow and other nearby stations were sent to help local crews.

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Pat Goulbourne previously said specialist fire investigators will begin an investigation into the cause, adding this "may be a protracted investigation".

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