Four men were arrested after a nail-biting police chase and stop right outside Lidl in Mottingham yesterday afternoon.
Tyres Popped in Broad Daylight Drama
Shoppers at Lidl’s car park were stunned around 4.40pm on January 12 when a series of loud “popping” noises echoed through the air. Witnesses soon realised the bangs were from cops deliberately bursting tyres to halt a vehicle. The sudden noises sparked panic among locals and shoppers alike.
“I was in the car park and heard like three loud pops… At first, I thought there was a gang fight with people covering their faces,” a witness told News Shopper. “Then I saw police had pulled over a car, and possibly had four people on the floor. It was an eye-opener.”
Police Confirm No Shots Fired, No Injuries
Bromley councillor Roger Tester relayed reassurance from the Met Police that the incident was controlled and safe.
“Nobody has been shot or injured during this operation,” a Met spokesperson confirmed. “Officers were involved in a spontaneous covert response to an incident in Bromley Borough.”
The tyres were deliberately popped to stop the vehicle, explains police. After the dramatic stop, road closures and cordons were put in place as investigations got underway.
Four Men Held as Investigation Continues
The four men arrested remain in custody while police continue probing the case. The Met confirmed the stop was part of a planned operation linked to ongoing inquiries, adding there are no outstanding victims.
Met Police spokesman: “On Monday, 12 January at 16:40hrs police carried out a pre-planned operation on Mottingham Road, Bromley. Four men were arrested and remain in police custody. Enquiries are ongoing.”
