Armed police sent to Tooting Broadway station after report of ‘man threatening passengers with pair of scissors’

A large police presence was seen outside the London Underground station

Tooting Broadway station (Wikimedia Commons)

Armed police have descended on Tooting Broadway underground station following reports that a man was threatening passengers with a pair of scissors.

A large police presence was seen outside the London Underground station on the Broadway as officers searched for the man.

A spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) denied reports that the station was evacuated, but said the train itself was held for a “few minutes” at Tooting Broadway.

Witnesses at the scene posted photos of the police presence at the station, while one person Tweeted: “Avoid the Northern Line. Just had to get off at Tooting Broadway, lots of armed police.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said police had sent armed officers to the scene as the man was reportedly armed with scissors and threatening passengers on a train bound for Tooting Broadway.

Armed officers have been stood down and local officers remain in the area.

In a statement, Wandsworth Police said: “At around 12:50 hours today officers, including armed, responded to reports of a man armed with scissors on a train at Tooting Broadway tube station.

“A search of the area was carried out but no-one matching the description of the man was found, but officers remain at the scene.”

The TfL spokesperson added that the station remains open and there are no delays to the line.