A boy aged 16 was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm while on his way to an anime comic convention in west London.
The teenager’s arrest near Chelsea Stamford Bridge stadium came as crowds were leaving following the Blues 2-0 Premier League victory over Fulham.
He is alleged to have been displaying a realistic-looking firearm as he walked to the event, causing distress to passers-by at around 2.30pm on Saturday.
False rumours circulated on social media claiming the suspect was an attempted mass shooter.
The Metropolitan Police rubbished the claims, adding on X, formerly Twitter: “A 16-year-old boy remains in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.
“The arrest occurred in Fulham Broadway at 2.41pm on Saturday, August 30, after officers received information about a boy displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area.
“No one was injured in the incident.”
We have responded to an incident this afternoon in Fulham - details here: pic.twitter.com/1j9CKl7FtX
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 30, 2025
Scotland Yard said circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
The London Anime and Gaming Con is taking place this weekend in Hammersmith.
The event, which claims to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, attracts large numbers of fans of video games and the Anime animation genre.
Many attendees dress up in a variety of outlandish costumes in tribute to their favourite characters.
