A man has been arrested following a hostage situation at a restaurant in London’s Leicester Square.
Armed police had surrounded a Bella Italia restaurant in central London after a knife-wielding man took hostages inside.
Police were called to the scene on Irving Street at 20:50 GMT to a man holding a woman against her will at the restaurant. The man and woman are believed to have known each other.
Two other people were reportedly trapped inside the restaurant.
People in nearby restaurants and bars and were asked to stay inside until police had the situation under control.
Police managed to take the suspect into custody shortly before 23:00, and there were no reported injuries
The incident was not terror related.
Apparent hostage situation at restaurant at Leicester Square # London. To close for comfort, keeping an eye on it pic.twitter.com/Hp8SUqOevw
— Ljubisha Boshkovich (@BoshkovichLj) February 24, 2016
Situation between Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Lots of police and people trapped in restaurants. pic.twitter.com/vpsEqc4LKf
— James Robinson (@jamesrobinson) February 24, 2016
Riot police still in position by #BellaItalia Leicester Square. pic.twitter.com/w1TFIjOShn
— David Scott (@dpa_scott) February 24, 2016
Just came out of Garrick and area cordoned off from Charing Cross Road to Leicester Square. Multiple vehicles pic.twitter.com/bhhDpuUf2N
— Sara B (@TheTheatreFox) February 24, 2016
Ok so apparently opposite where I'm standing for bus is a hostage situation in Bella Italia pic.twitter.com/PVlJzTuUVB
— Sara B (@TheTheatreFox) February 24, 2016
@metpoliceuk on the scene in #LeicesterSquare during a hostage situation tonight. Impressive, calm and controlled. pic.twitter.com/cTuHldf8kU
— rebecca renton (@rebeccarenton) February 24, 2016
