A man is appearing in court this morning (Monday) after causing panic when he threatened to blow himself up in his flat.

Dozens of terrified residents were evacuated from their homes in The Hollys, Hermon Hill, Wanstead, at 11.40am on Saturday, after a male resident said he would take his own life by causing a gas explosion.

Parts of Wanstead High Street were sealed off while residents were given temporary shelter at the community centre in Woodbine Place, and the gas supply was cut off while a police negotiator spoke to the man.

The man, named as Keith George, gave himself up and was taken into custody before residents were allowed to return to their homes at around 9.40pm.

No injuries were sustained.

Mr George is set to appear at Redbridge Magistrates Court this morning.