Littlebrook power station’s chimney tower was demolished this morning (Sunday, December 15) as onlookers gathered to watch the dramatic implosion.

The power station's towering chimney was situated on the Southern bank of the Thames near the Dartford crossing.

Around 8am on Sunday morning it was razed to the ground in a spectacular controlled demolition witnessed by hundreds of awe-struck watchers.

News Shopper: Image: Phil Church / PA WireImage: Phil Church / PA Wire

Littlebrook Power Station was an oil-fired power station built in the 1980s.

The original power station at the site first started generating electricity in 1939.

At one point in its history, Littlebrook boasted a generating capacity of 1245MW – reportedly enough to meet the needs of more than one million households.

Sunday’s dramatic demolition was seen and heard for miles around.

News Shopper: Image: Phil Church / PA WireImage: Phil Church / PA Wire

Phil Church, 45, who witnessed the implosion  from Purfleet and lives nearby, told the PA news agency:

“It was quite a powerful boom. You could feel the blast from across the river.

"It became quite a landmark for everyone I think. Certainly for me."

“You always knew you were nearly home when you caught a glimpse of it.

“Listening to everyone there this morning and the riverside was packed with people, they said very similar.”