The borough's most senior policeman said the cause of an explosion in South Harrow is still unknown after holding an emergency meeting.
Borough Commander for Harrow, Chief Superintendent Richard Walton met representatives of all three emergency services to coordinate a response to the blast, which levelled two houses, in Stanley Road, on Tuesday night.
He said: "It is important to stress that the cause of this explosion is not currently known."
"Gold Group" meetings are the highest level meetings held by the Met Police.
Meanwhile, the body of a man killed in the blast was removed from the scene last night.
A police spokesman said: "Following a search of the premises the body of a man was discovered amongst the rubble.
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"He was removed from the scene by London Fire Brigade at 9.05pm."
Officers have also been handing out information leaflets to residents following the explosion.
Stanley Road has been officially declared a crime scene and police are treating the blast as suspicious.
One man was killed in the explosion and another two people were injured.
Last night saw Harrow Council providing emergency accommodation for around sixty people in nearby hotels, more than double the number it helped out the previous evening.
Councillor David Ashton, who was due to take over as leader of the council last night, said: "Our first concern is to help those who have had to leave their homes due to this traumatic experience."
A 24-hour emergency hotline has been set up for anyone needing information or looking for friends or family members.
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