Dramatic footage shows officers tackling cosplay teen mistaken for gunman outside Chelsea match

"Dramatic video footage shows the moment unarmed police officers bravely tackled a teenager outside Stamford Bridge only to discover his weapons were fake and part of a cosplay outfit. The incident happened as 40,000 Chelsea and Fulham fans were leaving the stadium, causing worried members of the public to call 999 after spotting the teen in the busy crowd. Believing he was armed, unarmed officers on duty for the match rushed in and wrestled him to the ground, seizing a replica handgun from his leg holster and a rifle from his backpack. Armed officers later confirmed the weapons were imitations. Police said the boy later admitted he had been heading to a comic convention in costume. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of imitation firearms and has since been referred to the Youth Offending Team."

"This was a highly unusual and extremely concerning incident which occurred at the worst possible time. The match had not long finished and 40,000 spectators were leaving the stadium when information was received about a person dressed in black tactical clothing, wearing a ballistic helmet and carrying firearms heading towards a major transport hub. The unarmed officers who spotted the suspect acted spontaneously and with incredible bravery. They tackled him to the ground to secure the firearms without thought for their own personal safety, only that of tens of thousands of football fans in the immediate area. This incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of our police officers who come to work every day to keep the public safe."

Unarmed officers tackled a teenager outside Stamford Bridge after members of the public reported a person in black tactical clothing carrying firearms among 40,000 departing spectators. Officers wrestled the teen to the ground and seized what appeared to be a handgun and a rifle; armed officers later confirmed both weapons were imitations. The boy admitted he was heading to a comic convention in costume. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of imitation firearms and has been referred to the Youth Offending Team. Police praised the officers for quick, brave action to protect the crowd.

Read at www.standard.co.uk