Police arrest ‘knife-wielding man after hostage situation in Leicester Square’
POLICE have arrested an alleged knife-wielding man who reportedly took a woman hostage in a restaurant in Leicester Square.
The man is said to have held a woman against her will at the Italian chain Bella Italia in Irving Street before being detained by armed police.
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: "The incident at a restaurant in Irving Street has now been resolved and a man has been detained by police. No reported injuries."
Apparent hostage situation at restaurant at Leicester Square # London. To close for comfort, keeping an eye on it pic.twitter.com/Hp8SUqOevw
— Ljubisha Boshkovich (@BoshkovichLj) February 24, 2016
The incident at a restaurant in Irving Street has now been resolved and a man has been detained by police. No reported injuries
Two other people were reported to be inside the venue at the popular tourist spot.
The surrounding area was been cordoned off after officers were alerted at 8.50pm, according to a Met spokesman.
Eyewitnesses said armed police were on the scene while officers confirmed the incident was not terror-related.
Situation between Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Lots of police and people trapped in restaurants. pic.twitter.com/vpsEqc4LKf
— James Robinson (@jamesrobinson) February 24, 2016
There are six police cars on scene
A huge presence had amassed – with at least six police vehicles and more than a dozen officers in riot gear.
The man was seen being led from the restaurant by officers with riot shields into a waiting police van, which was driven away.
Officers at the scene said the man had been found with a knife in his pocket and had been arrested.