Tottenham Court Road hostage drama: Latest update

Tottenham Court Road has been evacuated and cordoned off as a man, named as Michael Green, has allegedly taken four people in hostage.

At around midday police were called to a disturbance in the busy London street, in what is believed to be a truck licensing office.

The man, who was seen throwing furniture and computer equipment out of the fifth-story office’s window, is believed to be in possession of explosive material. Several witnesses saw the man enter the building with what appeared to be gas canisters strapped to his person. According to a witness statement, the man threatened to blow up the building, saying that he didn’t care about his life, didn’t care about anything and was going to “blow up everything”.

Scotland Yard have sent a negotiator and the anti-bomb unit to the scene; they are expected to arrive in the next few minutes.

The reason behind the dramatic gesture is believed to be the refusal of an HGV licence and the Metropolitan Police have reassured people that the incident is not terrorist related. However, people have been advised to avoid the area as police attempt to diffuse the situation. The road remains cordoned off and blocked by emergency vehicles.  Goodge Street Station has also been closed as a precaution.

Sophie Mihell-Hale

You can hear an emotional statement from one of the victims here