Emergency services were reported in several local roads yesterday (January 15), after receiving a call concerning the welfare of a man in Redcar Road at around 2.22pm.
At the scene, officers were alerted to claims of explosives in a residential property.
An “accessible base” for emergency responders was set up at Drapers’ Academy in Settle Road, with a significant number of Metropolitan Police vehicles present.
Among other responders were the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and armoured police units.
Negotiators were called in, where they engaged in hours long talks with a man in his 50s.
When the man left the property at around 5.40pm, he was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and making/possessing items to create explosives.
Video footage seen by this paper captured the moment armed officers detained him, with a police dog present.
He appeared to be searched on the ground before being moved away from the scene and taken into custody, where he remains.
There were no know injuries and the Metropolitan Police has since confirmed it is not being treated as terror related.
The property has been searched and enquiries are ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “On Thursday, 15 January at 14:22hrs police were called following concern for the welfare of a man in Redcar Road, Romford.
“Specialist officers and negotiators attended the scene and engaged with the man in his 50s, who was inside a residential property and claiming to be in possession of explosives.
“The London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade also attended.”
“At around 17.40hrs the man exited the property and was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and making/possessing items to create explosives. He has been taken into custody where he remains.
“While a search of the property continues, no viable devices have been found and we are satisfied there is no immediate threat to the public. Enquiries continue.
“The incident is not being treated as terror-related.”
