Panic after Chelsea Fulham match as 'gunman' arrested - he was off to comic con

Fears of an attempted mass shooting after Chelsea Vs Fulham in West London were sparked on Saturday afternoon when police swooped on a teenager. It has since been confirmed that the suspect was carrying a toy weapon as he headed to a comic book convention in fancy dress.

A Metropolitan Police statement read: "A 16-year-old boy, believed to have been en route to a comic convention, remains in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm in Fulham Broadway. No one was injured in the incident. We strongly advise people against sharing misinformation and footage relating to this incident."

The force added: "The arrest occurred in Fulham Broadway at 14:41hrs on Saturday August 30, after officers received information about a boy displaying a weapon and walking towards a crowded area. No one was injured in the incident."

Earlier online speculation had gained traction there could have been a 'shooter' on the loose in London, with the area where the boy was arrested thronged with Fulham and Chelsea fans leaving the match at Stamford Bridge, which the Blues won 2-0.

However, the Met Police were quick to scotch the online chat and those seeing posts about a 'shooter' being on the loose were quick to share their own thoughts.

One person, possibly a Fulham fan, saw a lighter side to the incident, writing: "The only person that needed arresting at Stamford Bridge today was the referee."

The London Anime and Gaming Con is running this weekend in Hammersmith close to where the teenager was arrested. The event, which claims to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, attracts large numbers of fans of video games and the Anime Japanese animation genre.

Many attendees dress up in a variety of outlandish costumes in tribute to their favourite characters.

A spokesperson for London Anime and Gaming Con told Express.co.uk: "We are aware of an incident today in which an attendee leaving London Anime and Gaming Con was arrested by police after their cosplay prop was mistaken for a real weapon. The safety of our attendees and the public is our highest priority.

"We are working closely with the police to support their enquiries and ensure that all appropriate procedures are followed. We have clear rules around cosplay props, and attendees are regularly reminded that weapon replicas must never be displayed outside of the venue.

"Following this incident, we have increased signage and on-site announcements to reinforce this guidance, with staff being on hand to advise attendees on what is and isn't permitted.

"We have also put out announcements across our social media to re-enforce this message. We want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident, and the event itself remains a safe, family-friendly environment enjoyed by thousands of attendees throughout the weekend."