Knife scare at West End cinema

Tourists ran screaming as a terrified man ran through a West End cinema chased by another wielding a nine-inch knife who was himself being pursued by an off-duty police officer.

Families were enjoying a day out at the Trocadero centre when a man ran into the UGC cinema brandishing a knife, apparently trying to attack another man. Police are investigating whether yesterday's incident is linked to Triad gangs.

An off-duty police officer saw the two men in Lisle Street at around 4.15pm but they ran off into the Trocadero. The chase continued for 10 minutes around the cinema until the men escaped through a fire exit.

A suspect was finally held at a junction with Rupert Street by the policeman and another off-duty officer.