Motorbike ‘explosion’ rocks Canning Town street

Residents in a street in Canning Town were awoken in the early hours of Sunday morning by a motorbike – but rather than the vehicle revving loudly or backfiring, the noise came from an explosion.

Durham Road motorbike fire aftermath Michal GawronskiKot - Credit: Archant

London Fire Brigade were called to the scene in Durham Road at 2.18am on Sunday morning, where they found a motorbike alight.

Neighbours were alarmed to hear a series of explosions, thought to be caused by gas canisters that were stored under the seat of the bike.

The fire was swiftly tackled by a fire crew from Plaistow, and was brought under control by 2.26am.

Police did not attend the incident.