A 17-hour armed police standoff in Lewisham has come to an end, with authorities now lifting the lockdown that had kept parts of the town centre sealed off since Monday morning.
Man Seen Waving Knife Sparks Major Police Response
Armed officers were called to Lewisham High Street at 10:45 a.m. yesterday (February 10) after reports of a disturbance involving a man waving a knife and shouting from a window.
A police cordon was put in place, and authorities engaged in lengthy negotiations with the man to de-escalate the situation. Officers also conducted inquiries to determine if anyone else was inside the property.
Police Gain Access, But Arrest Details Remain Unclear
By 7:00 p.m., the Metropolitan Police stated that there was no indication that anyone else was inside the property.
Reports suggest that officers entered the property late last night, but the Met has yet to confirm if an arrest has been made.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show the moment officers gained entry, but these videos have not been independently verified.
Lockdown Lifted, Roads Reopen
Lewisham Council confirmed that all cordons were lifted early this morning (February 11), allowing residents to return home and businesses to reopen.
Traffic disruptions had been severe, with Lewisham High Street fully closed between Lee High Road, Belmont Hill, and A2211 Rennell Street. The incident also caused congestion along Lee High Road and Molesworth Street.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police has not yet issued a full update on the outcome of the operation or whether the man was taken into custody.
Authorities are expected to provide further details in due course.
This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as information becomes available.
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