A cosplayer heading to a comic convention got more than he bargained for as he was tackled to the ground by police.
Police received multiple calls about a person wearing military-style tactical gear and carrying multiple weapons along Fulham Broadway, London, on Saturday (August 30).
A Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham had just ended at nearby Stamford Bridge, meaning the area was even busier than normal.
Armed Metropolitan Police officers were dispatched, but before they arrived, unarmed officers who had been on duty to police the football match also responded.
Seeing the suspect heading towards a busy nearby Tube station, officers intervened and tackled him to the floor, grabbing what appeared to be a handgun and a rifle.
But it turned out both of the firearms were fake, and the boy was in fact cosplaying as a member of the Umbrella Corporation from the Resident Evil horror videogame series.
The fake guns were originally brightly coloured, but had been sprayed black to make them look more realistic.
The boy was on his way to a comic convention, thought to be the London Anime & Gaming Con which took place in Hammersmith over the weekend.
Inspector Rob McDonald said: ‘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.
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‘This incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of our police officers who come to work every day to keep the public safe.’
The teenager was arrested and has since admitted possession of imitation firearms. He has been referred to the youth offending team where he could face an out of court resolution.
Commander Adam Slonecki said: ‘I hope this incident also serves as a reminder to those who may be engaged in “cosplay” or in any other activity that involves dressing up as characters where weapons or armour are involved.
‘Such activity should ideally take place in organised environments where it is obvious to everyone what is going on.
‘Wandering around in public, particularly in crowded places, while carrying these items is irresponsible.
‘While those taking part may know their weapons aren’t real, the public do not and nor do our officers.’
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