A block of flats in New Southgate has become central to police investigations into the failed terror attacks on London.

Officers evacuated 38 residents from Curtis House, in Ladderswood Way, during the early hours of Monday and have since removed a large amount of material police believe may be explosive.

Forensic teams have begun investigations to discover more about the items which have been removed.

It has emerged that flat 58 was rented by 24-year-old Yassin Hassan Omar, who had been claiming £75 a week in housing benefit from Enfield Council, since 1999.

Omar is thought to be the man who tried to set off a bomb on a northbound Victoria Line train between Warren Street and Oxford Circus last Thursday.

The man wanted in connection with the attempted bomb attack on the 26 bus in Hackney, Muktar Said Ibrahim, 27, is believed to have visited the flat on numerous occasions.

Residents of floors eight to ten of Curtis House, which was dubbed the little block of horrors' by residents because of its bleak history of vandalism, were told by police shortly before 1am to leave their flats quietly and go downstairs.

Gary Chang, 22, who lives next door to Omar's flat, likened the scene to the film Leon. He said: "There were armed officers all the way from the top to the bottom they were all holding guns.

"They told us there would be some bangs shortly."

Fellow resident Queen Solomou added: "It's horrible to think your neighbours could be plotting to kill themselves it's terrorism, it's wicked."

The residents were taken by coach to Enfield Civic Centre, in Silver Street, but were allowed to return to their homes at around 3am.

Cllr Michael Lavender, deputy leader of Enfield Council, said: "I am shocked, like many residents, to hear an Enfield man could be involved in terrorist acts. It is a chilling discovery, but I appeal for calm.

"Now is the time for vigilance and community cohesion. In Enfield, we have a strong community spirit that will remain strong we cannot let terrorism weaken our resolve."

Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes visited the scene yesterday. He said: "This news highlights the grim reality that these terrorists can be living in any community.

"We now need to remain calm and vigilant and assist the police as much as possible in obtaining evidence and tracking down these evil men."