Residents were evacuated from their homes in Catford, South London, after a man claimed to have explosives during a police standoff. The incident unfolded on Stanstead Road late Wednesday night.
Police response
Officers were called to the scene at approximately 11:30pm for a welfare check on a flat occupant. Specialist negotiators and armed officers engaged with a man in his 20s, who stated he had explosives in his possession. As a precaution, nearby residents were evacuated and taken to the Ladywell Centre for safety.
Ongoing investigation
The street remained cordoned off for around 12 hours while police worked to resolve the situation. The man sustained multiple injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Authorities have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed, as is standard procedure for such incidents.
Emergency services remained at the scene throughout Thursday morning, ensuring the area was safe before allowing residents to return to their homes.
