Manhunt after fake gun sparked mass armed police response at Bond Street Tube station

Police have launched a manhunt after a fake firearm sparked a mass armed police response at Bond Street station during rush hour.

British Transport Police said an imitation firearm was dropped on the floor as three men were coming down an escalator in the station last Tuesday.

Armed police swooped in shortly after.

One person described “carnage” in the station as panicked commuters fled after being told to evacuate at around 6pm.

Two men, a 26-year-old and a 25-year-old were then arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm. A fake gun was seized by police.

The men, both from Brent, have since been released under investigation as enquiries continue to trace a third man in connection with the incident.

Describing the “carnage” at Bond Street, Kendra Ayling said: “I was at the station when all the alarms started going off telling us to evacuate. Someone said they had seen a gun so everyone started running and trying to get up the escalators.

"We were held for ages with the amount of people but finally managed to get out as about 10 armed police officers ran into the station.

"We were moved by the police after that but there were at least 15 police cars lining the road by then."

Another person at the scene described “about a dozen armed officers” at the station and a mass of blue lights as the station gates remained closed.

British Transport Police launched an appeal for information on Thursday and released CCTV images of a man they believe could help with their enquiries.

Anyone with information has been asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 with reference 524 of 11/09/18. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.