This is a developing story — updates below as we get them.
Ilford Lane has been closed in both directions at its junction with Rutland Road this morning while emergency services deal with an incident in east London.
The closure was reported on Sunday 4 October, with traffic stopped on both sides of the busy road. Bus services that would normally run along Ilford Lane are being diverted around the scene, leaving passengers facing longer journeys and drivers dealing with delays on surrounding streets.
The nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed. Emergency crews remain at the location, and there is no word so far on when the road might reopen.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible, while bus passengers should check live travel information before setting out.
What we know so far
- Ilford Lane is closed in both directions at Rutland Road.
- The closure is due to an emergency services incident.
- Buses are on diversion, including route 169 in both directions.
- No reopening time has been announced.
We will keep this page updated as the situation develops — follow our live blog below for the latest.
5.55pm: Large crime scene still in place 12 hours on
New photographs show the cordon still stretches across a wide area, with police tape at the roundabout where Ilford Lane meets Winston Way and officers remaining at the scene. Ilford Lane remains shut in both directions at Rutland Road, more than 13 hours after officers were called to the 4.30am altercation. Drivers face continued disruption on surrounding streets, with bus services likely still on diversion. Three men remain in custody over the double stabbing, which left two men with stab wounds. Police continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.
3.20pm: Three men arrested after stabbing confirmed
Police have confirmed that this morning’s closure follows a stabbing in the early hours. Officers were called to Rutland Road at around 4.30am, where two men in their twenties were found with stab wounds. Three men, aged 20, 29 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. One victim’s injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, while the condition of the second is not yet known. Ilford Lane remains closed in both directions as officers continue their enquiries at the scene.
10.00am: Latest — closure still in force
Ilford Lane remains shut in both directions at Rutland Road as emergency services continue to deal with the incident. Buses are still diverting around the scene, and there has been no announcement yet about when the road will reopen. Drivers heading through the area are advised to use alternative routes, and bus passengers should expect delays. We will update this blog as soon as anything changes.
9.50am: Route 169 on diversion, TfL confirms
Transport for London has confirmed that bus route 169 is on diversion in both directions because of the emergency services incident on Ilford Lane. Towards Clayhall, buses are not serving stops from Loxford Polyclinic to Pioneer Point; towards Barking, stops from Dudley Road to Wingate Road are being missed. Passengers using the route are advised to allow extra time and check live departure information.
9.45am: Second closure in London this morning
Ilford Lane is not the only road shut in the capital this morning — Charing Cross Road has also been blocked in both directions following an emergency services incident, with a string of bus routes diverted or curtailed. You can follow our live coverage of that closure here.
9.40am: Welcome to our live blog
Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage. We are bringing you rolling updates as Ilford Lane stays closed in both directions at Rutland Road following an emergency services incident this morning. Stay with us for the latest news as we get it. If you are in the area and can safely share information, we would like to hear from you.
Where is Ilford Lane?
Ilford Lane is a busy road running through Ilford in east London, within the London Borough of Redbridge. The closure is at its junction with Rutland Road, in the IG1 postcode area. The road carries local traffic and bus services through this part of east London, so a closure in both directions is likely to cause knock-on disruption across the surrounding streets. Ilford has been in the headlines in recent months, including plans for 326 social rent homes after grant funding was released by the GLA.
How long will the closure last?
There is no confirmed reopening time for Ilford Lane at this stage. Roads closed for emergency services incidents can remain shut for several hours while crews work at the scene, so travellers are advised to check for updates before setting out and to use alternative routes in the meantime.
Advice for travellers
Drivers are advised to steer clear of Ilford Lane and the streets around Rutland Road while the closure remains in place, and to build extra time into their journeys. Rail passengers may want to consider the Elizabeth line from Ilford station as an alternative. Bus passengers should check TfL’s live status updates before travelling, as diversions are expected to stay in force until the incident is cleared. Disruption is also possible elsewhere in the capital — check our guide to London road closures and bus diversions before you travel.
