Response continues following fire at Forest Gate police station

Three days on from the fire at Forest Gate police station, officers have been moved to alternative premises throughout the borough.

While there are a number of locations across Newham and Waltham Forest that have accommodated teams such as forensics and specialist units, the 999 response team are now based at Plaistow Police Station on Barking Road. Residents can also be reassured the local neighbourhood patrols will continue as normal.

We know the public may be concerned about how to contact us. Officers will be positioned on the cordon outside Forest Gate police station temporarily, please do approach those officers if you need to.

Detective Superintendent Charles Clare, overseeing the recovery operation today, said: “As our London Fire Brigade colleagues continue to investigate the cause of the fire, I am pleased to report that our policing service to the communities of Newham remains unchanged.

“Our continuity plan is now well under way, and our 999 response officers have been relocated to Plaistow Police Station which will serve as our patrol base. While the building itself is a work in progress, we have all we need to ensure policing for communities in Newham is uninterrupted.”

A mobile front counter has been set up at Stratford Police Station, 18 West Ham Lane, London, E15 4SG which is open 24/7.

Anyone returning on bail or needing to sign in will have been contacted and given further instructions. When Stratford police station front counter is fully open they will need to report there.

Most officers and staff have had their equipment re-issued and this work will continue throughout this weekend.

Road closures around the station remain in place.

Det Supt Clare, continued: “I am incredibly proud of the way my 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.

“The response from London Fire Brigade and borough partners, 35 of whom gathered for an emergency planning meeting on the night of the fire, has been exceptional.

“In addition, 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. This really has been a perfect example of partnership working at its best.

“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.”

If you need to speak to police in a non-emergency situation please call 101 or you can report crime online.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

In an emergency always dial 999.