Toy gun that sparked major police operation in London after ‘man with firearm’ was spotted
A dozen armed police officers led the manhunt after a man 'carrying a firearm' was reported 'acting suspiciously'
THIS is the toy gun that sparked a major police operation in London after a "man with a firearm" was spotted.
Roads were closed and a dozen armed officers led a manhunt for the suspect who was "acting strangely" and "in possession of an item believed to be a firearm".
But when they arrested the 29-year-old suspect in Wimbledon, south west London, he was found with a toy gun and a quantity of a class-B drug.
He was taken to a south London police station while police searched for a second man spotted in the area on Tuesday afternoon.
A spokesman for Merton police said: "Although this time it was not an actual weapon, we would like to thank the member of public who called it in originally.
"It is better to call something in, than us miss an actual weapon.
"We appreciate everyone's calls and assistance with this matter. We would also like to thank everyone for their patience with some of the closures this morning."
Officers had warned residents in Lower Downs Road to stay indoors, while they hunted the man aided by armed colleagues and dogs yesterday.
Police had responded to sightings of a man with a firearm.
Police said the man was acting suspiciously and dropped a bag sparking the manhunt.
Officers are now searching a property.
Speaking to the this morning witness Peter Walker: "The police are all tooled up. I can see around nine of them now, all with helmets and carrying those big guns.
"They are telling us to stay back. This doesn't happen in Wimbledon in the summer."
Mr Raj Shah told the Wimbledon Guardian: "There are 15 to 20 policemen, maybe more. They won't let us go down Dennis Park Crescent or Burstow Road, and they have closed the House of Spice restaurant. The whole area is totally blocked up."
related stories
A police spokesman said: "This morning an incident was reported after a male was seen acting strangely on the tram on his way to Wimbledon.
"A vigilant member of the public then contacted police with reasonable concerns after the male apparently dropped a bag which was deemed potentially suspicious.
"He was quickly identified by local officers and an armed police unit attended as a precaution.
"The address, near to Kingston Road, junction Lower Downs Road, had appropriate cordons quickly put in place.
"A search of the address is currently underway, with the male detained."
