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 16-year-old was wearing tactical-style clothing, a helmet and carrying imitation firearms sprayed black when he was stopped near Fulham Broadway station at around 2.30pm on Saturday, August 30.
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.
Inspector Rob McDonald, Match Commander for the fixture between Chelsea and Fulham, 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.
“This incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of our police officers who come to work every day to keep the public safe.”
Commander Adam Slonecki, who was the in charge of policing across London on the day of the incident, said: “These officers demonstrated quick thinking and truly impressive bravery in the way they responded to this incident.
“While they believed the suspect was potentially armed with multiple weapons, they were all unarmed. They put the safety of the public above any concerns for their own and in doing so did themselves and the Met proud.
“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.”
