Met Police Arrest Teen with Imitation Gun Outside Chelsea Match

Police released footage showing the moment unarmed officers tackled a 16-year-old dressed in tactical gear carrying imitation firearms near Stamford Bridge after a Chelsea vs. Fulham match. Concerned members of the public reported the teenager, who was actually in costume for a comic convention and dressed as a character from the Resident Evil franchise, sparking fears of a mass shooting. The replica weapons had been sprayed black to appear more realistic, and the officers acted swiftly and bravely to secure the situation without causing harm amid a crowd of 40,000 football fans. The teenager was arrested on suspicion of possession of imitation firearms and referred to the Youth Offending Team for an appropriate out-of-court disposal. Police highlighted the risks involved given the timing and location of the incident and praised the officers' quick response and selflessness in protecting public safety. Authorities advised that dressing up with realistic weapon props should ideally take place in organized events rather than public spaces to avoid similar scares.