'Nail bomb' caused pub blast

An explosion in the doorway of a London pub is thought to have been caused by a device packed with nails.

Staff say it was a miracle that no one was injured by the explosion at the Lady Margaret Pub, in Southall, west London.

British police are investigating whether the blast was connected to shots being fired near the pub about half an hour before the explosion.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "Early assessment of the device indicates it probably contained a black powder which originated from fireworks and a substantial number of galvanised nails.

"The area will be cordoned off whilst a forensic search of the area is carried out."

Police confirmed that there had been a firearms incident near the pub but that there had been no reports of injuries.

There have been no arrests and police inquiries are continuing.

The force of the explosion at the pub in Lady Margaret Road at about 10.50pm smashed windows and wrecked the door. A couple of dozen regulars were inside.

Pub assistant manager Sue Day said: "The windows went in the doorway and the pub filled with smoke.

"I have no idea why someone put the bomb there but it is a miracle no one was hurt."