At least five people have been injured after an explosion at an underground train station in north London.

British police were called to reports of a minor explosion shortly after 7pm local time at Southgate tube station.

Metropolitan Police said the blast was thought to be caused by a battery short circuit.

London Ambulance Service report three people were treated for minor injures at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital.

The explosion is unlikely be terror-related but investigations were ongoing, police said.

British Transport Police (BTP) initially tweeted Southgate Tube station was closed “whilst officers respond to a suspicious package”.

It later wrote that “enquiries continue but we do not believe this to be terror-related at this time”.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “Police were called at 7.03pm on 19 June to reports of an explosion and people running at Southgate underground station.”

“Met officers attended the scene along with colleagues from British Transport Police (BTP), London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service,” it said.

“The scene has been examined by specialist officers. It appears at this stage that the cause of the explosion was a battery short circuit. The Met Police and BTP are working together to establish the full facts.”