Dramatic video footage shows unarmed police officers tackling a 16-year-old boy outside Stamford Bridge, only to discover his weapons were fake and part of a cosplay outfit. The incident occurred at around 2.30pm on Saturday, August 30, as 40,000 Chelsea and Fulham fans were leaving the stadium.
The teenager was wearing tactical-style clothing, a helmet, and carrying imitation firearms sprayed black when he was stopped near Fulham Broadway station. Worried members of the public called 999 after spotting him in the busy crowd.
Believing he was armed, unarmed officers on duty for the match rushed in and wrestled him to the ground, seizing a replica handgun from his leg holster and a rifle from his backpack. Armed officers later confirmed the weapons were imitations.
Police said the boy later admitted he had been heading to a comic convention in costume. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of imitation firearms and has since been referred to the Youth Offending Team.
Inspector Rob McDonald, Match Commander for the fixture, praised the officers' bravery, saying they acted spontaneously and without thought for their own safety. Commander Adam Slonecki also commended the officers and urged those engaged in cosplay to avoid carrying replica weapons in crowded public places.
