Armed Alarm Near Big Ben Sparks Police Blitz
London’s iconic Westminster Bridge erupted into chaos on the night of Saturday, January 3, 2026. Reports of a man brandishing a firearm sent police rushing to the scene just before 11pm, sparking panic among tourists and locals alike.
13 Men Held Over Toy Gun Scare
The Met Police swooped and arrested 13 men suspected of carrying imitation firearms in public. Relief followed when it emerged the feared weapon was just a toy, dashing fears of a deadly threat near Parliament.
Met Police Respond to Firearm Reports
A spokesperson for the Met said: “Police were called at 10.50pm on Saturday, January 3 close to Westminster Bridge following reports of a group of men carrying a firearm. Officers attended quickly and arrested 13 men on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place. They have since been released under investigation.”
