A teenage boy was arrested near Stamford Bridge on Saturday after police received reports of someone displaying what appeared to be a firearm as fans left Chelsea’s derby victory over Fulham.
The 16-year-old was detained in Fulham Broadway at 14:41 BST, shortly after Chelsea’s 2-0 win. Metropolitan Police said he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and remains in custody.
“No one was injured in the incident,” a police spokesperson confirmed, stressing that social media claims of an attempted mass shooting were untrue.
The weapon, described as a realistic-looking imitation, is believed to have caused alarm to members of the public as the teenager walked towards a crowded area. Early reports suggest he may have been heading to a comic book convention in Hammersmith.
The arrest comes amid heightened public sensitivities around football stadium security. Police emphasised that carrying an imitation firearm is an offence and urged members of the public to report suspicious behaviour.