Armed police arrested a man outside the Colley Row Inn Wetherspoons in Romford after he was spotted with what appeared to be an air rifle fitted with a silencer and scope. The incident occurred just after 3 PM on Friday, December 13.
A video shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, showing Metropolitan Police firearms officers in tactical gear detaining the man outside the pub. Footage also revealed the rifle lying under a pub table before officers secured it in a bag.
Police Response
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said:
*”Police were called at approximately 3:20 PM on Friday, December 13, after a member of the public reported seeing a man in possession of a firearm near a pub in Collier Row Road, Romford.
“Officers, including armed officers, attended the scene, and the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm. He remains in custody. At this early stage, it is believed the weapon was an air rifle, but enquiries are ongoing to confirm this.”*
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described seeing the heavy police presence outside the busy pub and praised the quick action of officers. One bystander said:
“It was surreal to see armed police here. They acted so quickly, and thankfully no one was hurt.”
Investigation Underway
The Met Police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to confirm the type of weapon involved. At this stage, no injuries have been reported.
