The Springfield Hospital patient who brandished a BB "machine" gun outside Fircroft Primary School yesterday has been sectioned, police have confirmed.
Terrified witnesses, including a woman carrying a baby, dialled 999 after the man appeared outside the school in Glenburnie Road, Tooting, on Tuesday morning just before 9.30am wearing combat gear and wielding the intimidating weapon.
Armed officers were rapidly deployed and, after securing the school's premises, tracked down the man and arrested him about an hour later. No shots were fired and no one was hurt during the incident.
Fortunately pupils were inside the school at the time although some parents witnessed the man's appearance.
Having been sectioned the man has been given police bail until March 27.
Nearby Springfield Hospital later confirmed the man is a patient there, describing him as "eccentric" but not considered a risk to others.
Did you see anything this morning? Call the news room on 020 8722 6343 or email jhenderson@london.newsquest.co.uk
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