Lewisham incident: Residents urge people to avoid area as police remain at scene in ‘stand off’

Residents have taken to social media to urge people to avoid Lewisham after a man was seen allegedly waving a knife outside a window.

Armed police locked down Lewisham High Street after being called to a “disturbance” at 10.45am this morning.

Police remain at the scene alongside London Ambulance Service crews and the London Fire Brigade.

Videos circulating on social media show a man waving a knife outside a window, as he is seen yelling to people on the road.

A Met spokeswoman said: “We are speaking to a man inside an address at the location.”

Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether anyone else is inside the property, police said. 

Concerned residents took to X, describing the incident as a “stand-off” and urging people to avoid the area.

One user posted: “Do not come to Lewisham or Lee High Road. The whole Lewisham centre and surrounding area are locked off. They’ve locked people in shops and everything.”

Images from the scene show armed police surrounding a HSBC bank with the area cordoned off by police tape.

A HSBC spokesman said: “To clarify, the incident is not taking place inside the HSBC branch and no staff or customers are involved, however we have closed the branch as a precaution. 

“This is a police matter, and we remain in communication with the local authorities.”

The A20 section of Lewisham High Street remains closed while the incident is ongoing.

Police have warned of heavy traffic near Lewisham High Street due to the ongoing police incident. 

A spokesman from Lewisham MPS said: “Due to an ongoing incident in Lewisham High Street towards Lee High Road, traffic will be diverted and may be heavier than usual.

“Please plan your journey accordingly.”

Pictured top: Videos circulating on social media show a man waving a knife from a window (Picture: Bikram Gahatraj)