Man questioned after armed siege in London's West End

Police set themselves up in an office opposite the building where there is a potential hostage situation

A man is being questioned following a disruptive siege in central London this afternoon which brought traffic and commuters to a halt.

Police were called after it was reported a man had entered a building with gas canisters strapped to him.

It sparked a major alert, with Tube stations closed, businesses evacuated and Tottenham Court Road - one of the capital's busiest shopping streets was shut.

The 49-year-old suspect, thought to be a local man, is being detained and questioned.

Witnesses say they saw office equipment being thrown from windows several floors up.

Police sent a negotiator to the scene and the suspect was eventually removed from Shropshire House shortly after 3pm.

Commander Mak Chishty, of the Metropolitan Police, confirmed the suspect lives locally. He added:

  • No hostages were inside the building when the man left

  • Police were concerned that the suspect had explosives or flammable materials

  • Search of the scene would continue until officers were sure it was safe to reopen

  • Suspect remains in police custody

Police were called to Tottenham Court Road in central London to deal with a potential hostage situation

The Huffington Post's UK Executive Editor Stephen Hull, was on Tottenham Court Road at the time and tweeted various updates after speaking to one of the terrified employees in the office.

Earlier reports of hostages are not thought to be true. Police say they are not aware of any hostages.

Hull also posted an interview with an eyewitness on YouTube.