Hornchurch station formed part of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway in the 1880s, with the company opening a direct line between London and Southend, via Upminster, from 1883.

Ms Lopez urged local people to sign the Hornchurch and Upminster Conservative Association’s petition to save the police station, which she said had already gathered more than 800 signatures.

Station Lane in Hornchurch remains blocked between the High Street and The Avenue, while Mavis Grove is also closed. The fire service said in a statement: "Fifteen fire engines and around 100 ...

Station Lane was closed in both directions between Kenilworth Gardens (near Hornchurch Station) and Suttons Avenue while emergency services responded. It reopened shortly before 2pm.