Written by Frankie Elliott
17:57 February 12, 2024, updated 18:19 February 12, 2024
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This is the dramatic moment police Tasered him after receiving a report that an “acid attacker” on the bus had “threatened the driver and bus passengers with an unknown substance”.
At 8.30pm last night, emergency services, including workers wearing hazmat suits, attacked the number 109 bus as it stopped in front of a house in Croydon.
Passengers were alarmed after a 44-year-old man boarded a bus in Brixton and began smoking before removing a bottle allegedly containing a “substance”, according to reports.
Armed police surrounded the bus and asked the public to leave and wait.
As the police approached the bus, they yelled at the man through a megaphone, “Stand up and get off the bus right now,” before rushing into the bus and arresting the suspect.
Two police officers stood at the center door of the bus and waited for the man to exit, then used Tasers to stun him and then used police shields to force him onto his seat as they removed the corrosive material.
A three-hour standoff ensued between police and a “man armed with acid.” Passengers got off the bus, but it is understood that no substance was thrown at anyone and no one was injured.
The man was confronted by passengers, and the situation quickly escalated when he removed a bottle of what appeared to be a corrosive substance.
More than five police cars with sirens blaring gathered around the vehicle as police set up a cordon.
After attacking a double-decker bus, the criminals were trapped by the police and stripped naked on the street.
Police took the subject into custody, who was seen wearing an orange jumpsuit, before being strapped onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Officers believe the man was under the influence of drugs, and police say his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
Amber Nurse, 38, an administrative office worker, watched the incident unfold outside her home.
She said: “There was a huge line at the back of the bus. There were police there, and I could see armed police looking around. That’s when I thought, “This is a big deal.” Ta.
“I think at first they were just waiting and maybe observing the guy. He was on the top deck, so they had the guy come up to the apartment block and observe him from his level. I was allowed to.
“There were people there in blue suits. There were negotiators trying to get him downstairs. Then they went up. They approached him and eventually shot him with a Taser. Ta.”
After the arrest, chemical experts were called to the scene to evaluate the substance.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that “no harmful substances were detected.”
The area from Brigstock Road to Thornton Heath Garage was sealed off and a security perimeter was put in place to contain the situation and prevent harm to the public.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement asking people to avoid the area and asking pedestrians and motorists to find alternative routes.
The motive behind the man’s actions is unknown.
A Met spokesperson said: “A man responding to an incident on a bus was arrested by Met staff.” The man made threats, but no hostages were taken.
“Just after 8.30pm on Sunday 11th February, police were called to London Road, Thornton Heath, after a man threatened bus passengers with an unknown substance.
“No one was taken hostage. Everyone on the bus got off the bus immediately because the man made threats. No substances were thrown.
“Shortly before midnight, a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault. The substance was found to be non-hazardous.
“The Taser was discharged prior to the arrest and officers believe the man had ingested drugs.” As a precaution, he was taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening. ”