Disturbing footage shared online showed a man in military fatigues appearing to wield a gun at an Elizabeth Line platform – the British Transport Police have issued an update
Police have issued an update after a man in uniform was seen holding a gun on an Elizabeth Line platform.
Shocking footage shared online shows the man, who is dressed in military fatigues, assembling what appears to be an assault rifle after pulling it out of his bag at the Transport for London station. As the train approaches, he then lifts the weapon up onto his shoulder, drawing concerned looks from his fellow passengers.
Following an investigation, the British Transport Police confirmed what was going on when the video was taken – and issued an important reminder to passengers using the capital’s extensive transport network.
The man in the video was in fact on his way to a film and comic convention last Sunday, and the imitation gun was part of his fancy dress costume, police said. A spokesperson from the force confirmed the man had been “spoken to” by officers, and wrote on social media: “We have received reports of a video circulating online showing a man with an imitation gun at a tube station on the Elizabeth Line.
“This has been investigated and the individual was attending the Comic Con event in costume, he has since been spoken to. This has been investigated and the individual was attending the Comic Con event in costume, he has since been spoken to.
“We would just like to remind all passengers including those who attend such events of our advice from our Armed Policing Chief Inspector Martin Grayton.”
Reminding passengers that prop weapons should always be kept out of sight when using public transport, Insp Martin Grayton added: “Every year around Comic Con, we receive reports from people who have been frightened to see weapons being carried on the train. We assess and respond to every call we receive about a weapon. A police response can cause disruption and alarm to passengers and, if it’s a prop, may mean that you’ve kept us away from more important incidents.
“For your sake and that of everyone else on your train, no matter how unrealistic you think they look, please keep your prop weapons out of sight while travelling. We rely on the travelling public’s vigilance and if you don’t feel comfortable or see something that doesn’t seem right, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 999 in an emergency.”
