15-Hour Stand-Off in Lewisham Ends Safely After Armed Police Intervention

2025-03-01

Armed police were called to Lewisham High Street in southeast London on Monday, 10 February, following reports of a man brandishing a knife from a third-floor window. The incident, which began at around 10:45am, led to a 15-hour stand-off, with emergency services including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade attending the scene. The area was cordoned off, causing significant disruption to traffic and local businesses.

The man, who was seen shouting and waving a knife from a flat above a row of shops, was alone in the property, according to police. Rumours of a hostage situation circulated on social media, but authorities confirmed there was no evidence to support these claims. The nearby HSBC branch was closed as a precaution, though no staff or customers were involved.

After hours of negotiation, police entered the flat at approximately 1:55am on Tuesday, 11 February, and safely detained the man. He was taken to hospital for assessment. All cordons were lifted by 6am, allowing residents to return to their homes. Local councillor Edison Huynh confirmed that Glass Mill Leisure Centre had been opened as a rest centre for those unable to access their homes during the incident.

The stand-off caused widespread disruption, with buses diverted and traffic delays reported. Witnesses described the scene as tense, with armed police and emergency vehicles filling the street. A local market trader described the situation as a “waiting game,” while others expressed concern for the man’s wellbeing, suggesting he may have been experiencing mental health issues. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no one else was in the property and that the incident had been resolved without further escalation.