Parsons Green attack: 'Legend' who was injured and had hair burnt off in explosion went straight to work instead of hospital | London Evening Standard

Parsons Green attack: 'Legend' who was injured and had hair burnt off in explosion went straight to work instead of hospitalParsons Green terror victim Peter Crowley went straight to workBBC

A man injured in the Parsons Green explosion has been hailed a “legend” after he chose to go to work instead of hospital after the attack.

Peter Crowley was standing a short distance from an improvised explosive device when it detonated during rush hour on Friday morning, sending a “fireball” thought the carriage.

Instead of seeking treatment for his burnt head, Mr Crowley went straight to his job at a carpet shop nearby.

A number of people have taken to social media to praise him, describing him as a “trooper” and saying he “epitomises British resolve”.

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One Twitter user said: “Peter Crowley epitomises British resolve! Someone tried to kill him at Parsons Green explosion but he still went to work!”

Another added: “Respect to Peter Crowley caught up in today's terror attack in London who despite being injured including hair burnt went to work!!”

One said: “Peter Crowley u are a legend. Proper British stiff upper lip. Enjoy time with your family tonight, you deserve it.”

And another said: “That Peter Crowley is a little trooper. Working after being bombed! All Londoners should get their carpets from him to show support.”

Mr Crowley was leaning against the Tube door on his phone when the device was detonated on the packed Tube train.

In an interview with Sophie Raworth of the BBC, he described the "pandemonium" that came after the blast.

He said: “The train pulled up, doors opened, an explosion happened to the left of me against the doors which don’t open, not the platform ones.

"A fireball’s come over my head and panic set in. Everyone’s rushed from the Tube, it’s been complete pandemonium.

“I’ve heard a massive explosion which is like a pressurised sort of sound, like a deodorant can or a kettle exploding and I’ve turned, a fireball’s come up the top of the carriage.

“Literally [my] hair’s come out today."

Mr Crowley's badly singed hairNick Crowley

After the incident images emerged from the scene showing what looks like a smouldering bucket on the train floor.

It is wrapped in a Lidl bag and appears to have flames coming from it.

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Mr Crowley said: “The worst gentleman I saw was being helped off the carriage by another couple of people, he had a puffer jacket, it had all melted on his back. He had burns across the front of his face.

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“From what I see now I believe the flash came up from behind him over his head towards myself at the doorway."

He added: “I'm shaken up now I’ve heard it was actually a planned explosion.

"Lucky I’ll go home and give my wife and kids a big cuddle tonight. [I'm] happy to be here.”