Bus passengers flee after ‘drugged’ man threatens use of ‘unknown substance’

A bus passenger who threatened fellow travellers with an ‘unknown substance’ was Tasered by police and arrested.

The incident allegedly happened at around 8.30pm on Sunday in Thornton Heath after the man had been challenged for smoking on a 109 bus he got on in Brixton.

The 44-year-old, who has not been named, was taken to hospital after being incapacitated by officers using a Taser after a stand-off of nearly three and a half hours.

It was later confirmed that the man was not carrying corrosive liquids and police said they were not going to comment on the possibility that they were dealing with a chemical attack.

The Met said: “Police were called to London Road, Thornton Heath to a man threatening bus passengers with an unknown substance.

“Nobody was held hostage. The man made threats and everyone else on the bus immediately got off. The substance was not thrown.

“Shortly before midnight, the 44-year-old man was arrested for affray. The substance was found not to be harmful.

“A taser was discharged prior to his arrest and officers believe the man had taken drugs. As a precaution, he was taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.”

Officers dressed in chemical suits are believed to have stormed the bus after a stand-off, while passengers and the driver immediately left the vehicle once threats had been made.

No charges have been laid so far.

Pictured top: A taser gun (Picture: Jasonesbain/Wikimedia Commons)