Armed officers were deployed to a McDonald’s in Bracknell town centre on Thursday afternoon following reports of two men allegedly carrying large knives, prompting a major emergency response and lockdown at the busy eatery.
Thames Valley Police response officers, supported by armed units, a dog unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter, were called to the restaurant in the Lexicon Centre at around 5.30pm.
The fast-food outlet was placed under lockdown and evacuated as officers moved in to contain the situation. A police cordon remains in place across parts of the shopping complex.
Two men were stopped, searched and detained at the scene. It has since been reported that both have been arrested.
Heavy Police Presence Shocks Shoppers
Witnesses described a significant emergency response, with multiple police vehicles and officers flooding the area.
One eyewitness said:
“I was in town when this happened around 5.30pm. I’ve never seen so many police in town. Not sure what had happened.”
Another described the situation as “very unnerving,” adding:
“Two men have been arrested, and it was terribly scary for the families in McDonald’s. But it seems they got who they were after.”
There were also suggestions that trouble may have originated nearby, with reports of disturbances involving individuals in the vicinity of Five Guys shortly before the incident.
Earlier Disorder Reported
Separate concerns were raised earlier in the day, with reports of youths behaving dangerously inside the shopping centre.
One witness claimed:
“There were several complaints about three boys playing at the top of Primark, and one threw a yellow wet floor sign from above. It made a huge thud. Someone could have been killed or seriously injured. Luckily, no one was underneath.”
Unconfirmed Reports of Stabbing
There are currently unconfirmed reports that a stabbing may have occurred; this has not been verified by police at this stage.
Thames Valley Police have been approached for an official statement and further details on the circumstances leading to the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Police remain at the scene as enquiries continue, with parts of the Lexicon Centre still affected by the cordon.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area where possible while officers carry out their investigation.
Updates will follow as more information is released.
