Bystanders described hearing “popping” sounds as police stopped a car near Lidl in Mottingham Road at 4.40pm yesterday (January 12).
Police have confirmed the sound was the sound of officers disabling the tyres of the car they stopped.
In an update shared by councillor Roger Tester, a Met Police spokesperson said: “I wish to reassure you that nobody has been shot or injured during this operation.”
The four men who were arrested remain in custody and a police investigation is ongoing.
One witness was in the Lidl car park at the time of the incident.
They told News Shopper: “I was in the car park and heard like three loud pops.
“Three loud popping noises, and lots of shouting.
“First I thought it was some kind of gang fight, because everyone had their face covered.
“And when I looked it was the police. They had obviously pulled over, had possibly four people on the floor.”
They added: “I was quite shocked. It was sort of thing you hear about so much these days at the moment.
“But seeing it in front of you is a bit of an eye-opener.”
The full update shared by Cllr Tester reads: “Police were conducting a spontaneous covert response to an incident that has occurred in Bromley Borough.
“Around 1730 hours armed officers stopped a vehicle close to Lidl on Mottingham Road SE9.
“During this stop police officers disabled the tyres of the subject vehicle; resulting in loud bangs/popping sounds being heard.
“I wish to reassure you that nobody has been shot or injured during this operation however a number of persons have been arrested and taken into custody, road closures and cordons were in place following the stop.
“The investigation continues.
“I am unable to share any more information or detail regarding this incident.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “On Monday, 12 January at 16:40hrs police carried out a pre-planned operation on Mottingham Road, Bromley.
“The operation was linked to an ongoing investigation.
“Four men were arrested and remain in police custody.
“There are no victims outstanding. Enquiries are ongoing.”
