Armed police are currently in a standoff at a flat situated above several shops in southeast London.
Authorities were dispatched after witnesses reported seeing a man waving a knife from a third-floor window on Lewisham High Street.
The surrounding area has been secured with a cordon in place, leading to significant disruptions for traffic, pedestrians, and bus routes.
The Metropolitan Police have stated that there is “no indication” of anyone else being present in the apartment.
A portion of the A20 has been closed off as emergency personnel respond to the situation.
Representatives from Lewisham Council are on-site to assist individuals unable to reach their residences, advising those affected to approach the cordon or contact 020 8314 6000.
A food vendor at Lewisham Market, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the incident has been ongoing since late morning.
Across the street, an HSBC branch has temporarily closed its doors as a precaution, confirming that no customers or staff were involved in the situation.
The Metropolitan Police received reports of the disturbance around 10:45 GMT.
A bystander named Callum Fahim described seeing a man leaning out of the third-floor window, brandishing a large knife.
“There are two armed police officers pointing their guns at him, and they’ve been in that position for quite some time,” he noted.
“I haven’t observed any signs of negotiations or activities in progress. There are fire trucks, police vehicles, and ambulances on the scene.
“And now police horses have also arrived.”
Standoff on Lewisham High Street: Armed Police Respond to Knife-Wielding Man in Flat Above Shops
