London Tube chaos as helicopter launched and police close in on ‘trespasser’

Police have arrested a man after officers swarmed an “evacuated” London tube station after reports of trespassing halted services. The Central Line was stopped in its tracks as emergency services arrived at Leyton Tube Station earlier today (May 14).

Chaos on the London Underground ensued and the tube was shut between Liverpool Street and Leytonstone after the trespasser allegedly clambered onto the track. 

Witnesses report seeing a police helicopter and dogs circling the scene at Leyton Tube station in east London this afternoon.

Following the incident, a spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the line near Leyton at around 12.57pm today (14 May) following reports of a trespasser on the tracks.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police and a man was arrested on suspicion of trespass, possession with intent to sell, and assaulting an emergency service worker.”

The Central Line has now reopened.

For all the latest updates, follow our live blog below.