It was a shocking scene when a man pulled a gun on a police officer in broad daylight during Friday morning rush hour in London.
Gatekeepers News reports that the officer was seen in video footage filmed in Camden trying to pin the man onto the ground before the man manages to wriggle free.
The officer then points a Taser towards the man who backs off, before a gun appears to fall from the man’s clothing and onto the pavement, which he then picks up.
The man pointed the gun at the officer and walked towards him as the officer backs away, but as the man approaches further, he is tackled to the ground again.
The Metropolitan Police said detectives now believe the man’s gun was a replica, but added that the ‘officer’s actions in the circumstances are nothing short of incredible’.
It was gathered that the officer had been pursuing the man in a silver Volkswagen car before the man crashed into a bollard as he tried to drive the wrong way down a one-way street.
Police said the officer discharged his Taser and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, then taken to hospital prior to going into police custody.
A spokesman for the force said that the item was ‘seized for examination – at this early stage it is thought to be a replica’, adding that the officer was not injured.
Police also said no other members of the public were thought to have been injured, and firearms officers responded ‘due to the nature of the incident’.
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said: “We are aware of a video circulating online and can assure the public we are taking care of the officer’s welfare.
“His actions in the circumstances are nothing short of incredible. He had no idea if the item being pointed at him was a replica or a lethal weapon and yet he maintained his composure and detained the suspect.
“Each day police officers put on the uniform and put themselves in danger to protect Londoners. This is a perfect example of the bravery and selflessness that they exhibit so often.”
The full Metropolitan Police statement said: “A man was arrested this morning after a replica firearm was aimed at an officer in Camden. A solo motorcycle officer was in pursuit of a car at around 7.38am on Friday, February 4 after it failed to stop.
“The vehicle collided with street furniture in Mornington Crescent, near the junction with Harrington Square, NW1. A man got out of the car and was challenged by the pursuing officer, who drew his Taser.
“The man reached for his waistband and retrieved what appears to be a black firearm. He dropped it before quickly picking it back up and aiming it directly at the officer.
“The officer detained the man. Taser was discharged and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
“He has been taken to hospital prior to going into police custody. The item has been seized for examination – at this early stage it is thought to be a replica. The officer was uninjured.
“There were no reports of any injuries to any other members of the public. Firearms officers responded due to the nature of the incident and police remain at the scene.”
