A significant security alert brought a section of London's King's Cross station to a standstill on Tuesday evening after a man was discovered in possession of suspicious chemicals.
British Transport Police were swiftly called to the scene following reports of a concern for safety. Officers detained a 29-year-old Iranian national, averting a potential major incident at one of the capital's busiest transport hubs.
Eyewitnesses reported a heavy emergency service presence, including armed police and the London Fire Brigade, which descended upon the station just after 7 pm. A cordon was immediately established, causing disruption to commuters and travellers.
Swift Police Action
"Officers were on the scene within minutes of the call," a spokesperson for British Transport Police stated. "A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a highly flammable substance. He remains in custody as enquiries continue."
The London Fire Brigade confirmed their crews attended the incident as a precautionary measure. A hazardous materials officer was also dispatched to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
Station Disruption and Reopening
The security scare caused temporary closures and delays around the station's concourse. However, thanks to the rapid response, the situation was contained efficiently. The cordon was later lifted, and normal operations resumed, much to the relief of evening commuters.
Authorities have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the man's actions and the nature of the chemicals involved.
