London's King Cross evacuated as armed police arrest drug suspect

A worker walks in the new Kings Cross rail station redevelopment in London — Police officers have evacuated hundreds of passengers from King's Cross station Reuters

London's King Cross station was temporarily evacuated after armed police officers arrested a man over a drugs offence on one of the platforms. British Transport Police (BTP) said they waited for the 40-year-old male to arrive off one of the trains at the busy station at around 3pm today (14 August).

Images on social media appear to show an armed officer aiming their gun as part of the operation. BTP confirmed a 40-year-old male has now been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

#kingsx #kingscross very closed with armed police and no trains going anywhere pic.twitter.com/Kh3HAOAULK
— Peter Robinson (@PeterRobinson81) August 13, 2015

Kings Cross platforms 0-8 all closed, lots of police creating a 'sterile area', no indication of why.
— Pilgrim Beart (@pilgrimbeart) August 13, 2015

A spokesperson added: "Armed BTP officers attended the mainline platforms at King's Cross rail station shortly after 3pm to meet incoming trains to that location. Some platforms were closed while this activity took place.

"At approximately 4.15pm, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply of a Class B drug. Enquires are ongoing. The operation is now coming to an end and the platforms are being re-opened."

Trains were disrupted during the incident. National Rail wrote on Twitter: "A problem under investigation at London King's Cross is delaying journeys by up to 15 minutes to and from the station."