POLICE investigating an explosion which ripped apart a row of garages now believe an accelerant such as petrol was used.

Officers believe the accelerant was poured into a garage before being set alight.

Thirty residents had to be evacuated following the blast at 12.30am on Friday.

Lisette Davis, 17, had just come home from a night out with friends when she heard the explosion.

See her video account

Extensive damage was caused to nearby flats, a Mercedes Benz car was destroyed and three garages were blown apart.

Fire crews rushed to the scene in Elsinore Road, Forest Hill, and evacuated residents while trying to extingish 40ft flames.

Pensioner Tony Kensett, 70, says he is "lucky to be alive" - as he had parked his Suzuki car in one of the garages just two hours beforehand.

He said: "I could've been getting out of the car when it went off and I wouldn't be talking to you now.

"I thought it was part of a plane coming down. It's worrying times. You think it would be safe to leave your car in a garage."

He added: "People don't seem to be the same today. There are so many incidents. At least when I had a car, I felt safe. Now, I don't have a car I feel more exposed. I have no protection."

Another evacuee, Ali Fehmi, 41, who was asleep in his ground-floor flat, said: "I jumped out of my skin when I heard the bang. At first I thought it was aliens.

"But I think it was a bomb, a hand-made device. I'm worried because it happened on my doorstep. This area has been neglected by the council."

He added: "When I looked out of the window, I saw two fellas running away and I gave a description to the police."

Another shocked resident said: "You appreciate how people feel in a war-torn country.

"Everyone was in shock. We want answers from the authorities about the cause of it. Kids are always setting fire to things around here."

Another shaken resident who was woken up by the blast said:" I thought I was dreaming when I heard the noise.

"My bathroom and kitchen windows were blown apart, my extractor fan was left hanging.

"My stress levels are high because of the kids around here. There have been three attempted break-ins in two months. I could write a novel on all the incidents that have happened around here."

The resident added: "This is just the pinnacle, the cherry on the cake. I was told by police it was a hand-made bomb that's why it blew up.

"What's next, an estate? To be that destructive because you are bored is a serious problem.

"They should get a job stacking shelves or play football."

Police forensic officers are still investigating the cause of the blast and are encourging anyone with informaiton to call 020 8284 8448.