A BUSY section of dual carriageway was reopened after a major explosion at a block of flats, with police confirming two men have been arrested.

The A127 at Ardleigh Green Road and Squirrells Heath Road was closed in both directions late yesterday afternoon after an explosion caused a fire at around 5.14pm.

Police officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service all attended the scene, and reopened the dual carriageway shortly after 8.40am.

It required 10 fire engines and 72 firefighters to deal with the blaze. 

A spokesman for Metropolitan Police confirmed two men were arrested on suspicion of arson. Both were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.

A number of people have also suffered injuries.

At this early stage, officers are unable to confirm the cause of the explosion but enquires are underway.