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Police surround train as man boards with gun
A busy commuter train was pulled back into the station after a man boarded it with a gun.
Armed police surrounded the 7.26am departure from East Grinstead when it returned to the station.
They searched the carriages and every member of public on board.
Trains were cancelled and replacement bus services ran between East Grinstead and Oxted.
A police spokesman said: "There were reports of a man with a gun getting on a train from East Grinstead to London Bridge.
"As a result we brought the train back and cleared the platform and then searched the train systematically."
A man was arrested and an imitation firearm recovered.
Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, who led the operation, said no threats had been made to any members of the public.
He added: "Public safety was paramount throughout the operation. Whilst we apologise to anyone who was inconvenienced or whose journey was delayed, I am pleased that we were able to achieve a speedy and a safe resolution to the incident."
The train was returned to Southern at 8.50am, when a normal service was resumed.
10:32am Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Roger Tilbury on 11:17am Thu 27 Mar 08
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned.
Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned.
Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
Posted by: whatever, doesnt matter on 11:22am Thu 27 Mar 08
sick and tired.good comment but some of us are still here.i have had to yous various names lately because of poeple like ffs kickboxer etc you know,the usual culprits.i just want a decent disscussion and addmitidlly if a story is silly a little laugh.i agree with others the argus should bring in a proper login service that would nip these idiots in the bud,but then again they could have various login names&passwords.what can they do ?
sick and tired.good comment but some of us are still here.i have had to yous various names lately because of poeple like ffs kickboxer etc you know,the usual culprits.i just want a decent disscussion and addmitidlly if a story is silly a little laugh.i agree with others the argus should bring in a proper login service that would nip these idiots in the bud,but then again they could have various login names&passwords.what can they do ?
Posted by: Rugby79 on 11:54am Thu 27 Mar 08
Roger, I would think that the train was pulled back into the platform so it was easier and safer to disembark people to search. When the train is away from the platform there is a drop of almost 6 ft between the bottom of the doorway and the ground, also there is the danger of electrocution as the equipment that gathers electricity from the 3rd rail would still be live. Also if they searched someone who was onboard, and they still had a real firearm then there would be more danger to the public in a confined space.
Roger, I would think that the train was pulled back into the platform so it was easier and safer to disembark people to search. When the train is away from the platform there is a drop of almost 6 ft between the bottom of the doorway and the ground, also there is the danger of electrocution as the equipment that gathers electricity from the 3rd rail would still be live. Also if they searched someone who was onboard, and they still had a real firearm then there would be more danger to the public in a confined space.
Posted by: stephan, Brighton on 11:59am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Roger Tilbury[/bold] wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?[/quote] One of the best posts I've seen on here in a long time.
Roger Tilbury wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
One of the best posts I've seen on here in a long time.
Posted by: Paul, Brighton Seafront on 12:21pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Roger, what exactly is your problem with the police?
I would suggest that you direct these queries to the police themselves, as opposed to commenting on every story which invovles slowing down traffic or cancelling trains.
I would imagine they would have to search the train, surrounding area and so on. A little disruption to a journey is not the end of the world! I am sure you would be the first to complain if this man was not brought to justice or they left a revolver lying around in the train.
These occurrences are very rare and I applaud the police for their swift action.
Roger, what exactly is your problem with the police?
I would suggest that you direct these queries to the police themselves, as opposed to commenting on every story which invovles slowing down traffic or cancelling trains.
I would imagine they would have to search the train, surrounding area and so on. A little disruption to a journey is not the end of the world! I am sure you would be the first to complain if this man was not brought to justice or they left a revolver lying around in the train.
These occurrences are very rare and I applaud the police for their swift action.
Posted by: hobbit, worthing on 12:43pm Thu 27 Mar 08
For Roger Tilbury - you obviously have no experience of firearms, a round would easly penetrate through a carriage partition or wall, I'm sure if a member of your family was on another train but got shot my a stray round you would be screaming just as loud at the police for NOT quarantining the situation.
For Roger Tilbury - you obviously have no experience of firearms, a round would easly penetrate through a carriage partition or wall, I'm sure if a member of your family was on another train but got shot my a stray round you would be screaming just as loud at the police for NOT quarantining the situation.
Posted by: Ben Wheeler, Brighton on 12:49pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Roger Tilbury[/bold] wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?[/quote] BING BONG "Welcome aboard the Southern Service to London Bridge, Please could the nasty gun holding criminal remain seated so we can safely move the train to a siding and search you without disrupting the train service? Thank you."
No expert on police tactics Roger, But would be interested to know if the police had stopped the train in the middle of nowhere, and the gunman had then taken someone hostage before they could evacuate the train, would you have then insisted that they should have been charged with negligence?
Shame to see such an anti police view, when you made need them to save yourself from a similar situation one day?
I suspect the train was moved back "Due to a fault" or something similar in the hope the gunman was unaware? The police would not have known in was imitation either, or taken that chance in the circumstances?
Roger Tilbury wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
BING BONG "Welcome aboard the Southern Service to London Bridge, Please could the nasty gun holding criminal remain seated so we can safely move the train to a siding and search you without disrupting the train service? Thank you."
No expert on police tactics Roger, But would be interested to know if the police had stopped the train in the middle of nowhere, and the gunman had then taken someone hostage before they could evacuate the train, would you have then insisted that they should have been charged with negligence?
Shame to see such an anti police view, when you made need them to save yourself from a similar situation one day?
I suspect the train was moved back "Due to a fault" or something similar in the hope the gunman was unaware? The police would not have known in was imitation either, or taken that chance in the circumstances?
Posted by: Dennis, Forest Row on 12:54pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Reporting on this story is not entirely accurate. All passengers were NOT searched. I was sitting about 15 feet from the man who was arrested.
We were originally told there was a fault on the line. Then the train conductor walked through the train telling us there was a safety problem on the train that was being rectified. However, he was obviously looking for the suspect so the police would know where to search (not sure this is part of his job description!). After about an hour, the train was reversed back to East Grinstead. Several times during this hour, a man in his early 20s wearing a grey tracksuit walked back and forth between carriages a few times.
East Grinstead station was deserted. Shortly after, we were surrounded by police, and plain cothes officers walked through the carriage looking for him. It looks like they recovered something from the toilet in the carriage in front of me. They then came into our carriage and arrested the man for Firearms offences. We were not allowed off the train while this all went on, and had to remain on the train for about 15 mins after the arrest.
All told, the police operation appeared to be well organised.
Reporting on this story is not entirely accurate. All passengers were NOT searched. I was sitting about 15 feet from the man who was arrested.
We were originally told there was a fault on the line. Then the train conductor walked through the train telling us there was a safety problem on the train that was being rectified. However, he was obviously looking for the suspect so the police would know where to search (not sure this is part of his job description!). After about an hour, the train was reversed back to East Grinstead. Several times during this hour, a man in his early 20s wearing a grey tracksuit walked back and forth between carriages a few times.
East Grinstead station was deserted. Shortly after, we were surrounded by police, and plain cothes officers walked through the carriage looking for him. It looks like they recovered something from the toilet in the carriage in front of me. They then came into our carriage and arrested the man for Firearms offences. We were not allowed off the train while this all went on, and had to remain on the train for about 15 mins after the arrest.
All told, the police operation appeared to be well organised.
Posted by: Sue, EG on 1:22pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I was also on the train and looked the guy in the eyes. My comment is that the train crew did a great job, the police did a good job- what else could they have done. Pulled us into the platform- easy then for him fight his way off and then disappear? At no time did I see the police draw their firearms- we have to be realistic through all this and not get hysterical.Yes we were late to work- in the big scheme of things that is a small price. No we were not searched, by the time the police were in our carriage trying to get into the toilet- they knew who they were looking for and thanks again to the train crew. A note of thanks, a touch of realisim would be more appropriate than wingeing!
I was also on the train and looked the guy in the eyes. My comment is that the train crew did a great job, the police did a good job- what else could they have done. Pulled us into the platform- easy then for him fight his way off and then disappear? At no time did I see the police draw their firearms- we have to be realistic through all this and not get hysterical.Yes we were late to work- in the big scheme of things that is a small price. No we were not searched, by the time the police were in our carriage trying to get into the toilet- they knew who they were looking for and thanks again to the train crew. A note of thanks, a touch of realisim would be more appropriate than wingeing!
Posted by: Brian, Hove on 1:26pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Is that the same Roger Tilbury that left a message of support for a convicted paedophile a couple of weeks ago? Nuff said.
Is that the same Roger Tilbury that left a message of support for a convicted paedophile a couple of weeks ago? Nuff said.
Posted by: Flat Foot Soozie, Brunswick Square on 3:04pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted.
Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another?
I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail.
Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted.
Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another?
I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail.
Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.
Posted by: Chris, B/ton on 5:10pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Brian[/bold] wrote:
Is that the same Roger Tilbury that left a message of support for a convicted paedophile a couple of weeks ago? Nuff said.[/quote] Yes, Brian, it is. He said 'there are far, far worse things than child sex.'
He's also chairman of Birdham Parish Council.
Brian wrote:
Is that the same Roger Tilbury that left a message of support for a convicted paedophile a couple of weeks ago? Nuff said.
Yes, Brian, it is. He said 'there are far, far worse things than child sex.'
He's also chairman of Birdham Parish Council.
Posted by: FRED, worthing on 5:47pm Thu 27 Mar 08
You are a fool Rodger Tilbury, a fool.
You are a fool Rodger Tilbury, a fool.
Posted by: Me, here on 6:21pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Posted by Roger Tilbury:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned.
If they did as you asked Wodger, your little faux pas the other week regarding the paedophile school governor, would also have been deleted.
Then how would we know what a decidedly dodgy sort of chap your are?
Well done Argus!
Posted by Roger Tilbury:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned.
If they did as you asked Wodger, your little faux pas the other week regarding the paedophile school governor, would also have been deleted.
Then how would we know what a decidedly dodgy sort of chap your are?
Well done Argus!
Posted by: Nicola, East Grinstead on 8:24pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dennis[/bold] wrote:
Reporting on this story is not entirely accurate. All passengers were NOT searched. I was sitting about 15 feet from the man who was arrested. We were originally told there was a fault on the line. Then the train conductor walked through the train telling us there was a safety problem on the train that was being rectified. However, he was obviously looking for the suspect so the police would know where to search (not sure this is part of his job description!). After about an hour, the train was reversed back to East Grinstead. Several times during this hour, a man in his early 20s wearing a grey tracksuit walked back and forth between carriages a few times. East Grinstead station was deserted. Shortly after, we were surrounded by police, and plain cothes officers walked through the carriage looking for him. It looks like they recovered something from the toilet in the carriage in front of me. They then came into our carriage and arrested the man for Firearms offences. We were not allowed off the train while this all went on, and had to remain on the train for about 15 mins after the arrest. All told, the police operation appeared to be well organised.[/quote] I agree with Dennis's version - not everybody was searched but the train crew certainly remained calm and it was obvious why they announced a "train fault", so they and the police could act on this in the best and efficient way, they're hardly going to give us the real reason for the delay whilst this man was on the same train, I thought the way they dealt with it was thorough, yes we were very late for work, but at least we made it to work rather than not live to talk about it. And as for Roger's anti police comment, i've got nothing to say except I totally disagree with him. Well done East Grinstead rail crew and to the police!
Dennis wrote:
Reporting on this story is not entirely accurate. All passengers were NOT searched. I was sitting about 15 feet from the man who was arrested. We were originally told there was a fault on the line. Then the train conductor walked through the train telling us there was a safety problem on the train that was being rectified. However, he was obviously looking for the suspect so the police would know where to search (not sure this is part of his job description!). After about an hour, the train was reversed back to East Grinstead. Several times during this hour, a man in his early 20s wearing a grey tracksuit walked back and forth between carriages a few times. East Grinstead station was deserted. Shortly after, we were surrounded by police, and plain cothes officers walked through the carriage looking for him. It looks like they recovered something from the toilet in the carriage in front of me. They then came into our carriage and arrested the man for Firearms offences. We were not allowed off the train while this all went on, and had to remain on the train for about 15 mins after the arrest. All told, the police operation appeared to be well organised.
I agree with Dennis's version - not everybody was searched but the train crew certainly remained calm and it was obvious why they announced a "train fault", so they and the police could act on this in the best and efficient way, they're hardly going to give us the real reason for the delay whilst this man was on the same train, I thought the way they dealt with it was thorough, yes we were very late for work, but at least we made it to work rather than not live to talk about it. And as for Roger's anti police comment, i've got nothing to say except I totally disagree with him. Well done East Grinstead rail crew and to the police!
Posted by: Roy Hills, Heathfield on 8:51pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Wrong again Argus! It was a 15 year old boy with custard for a brain. Like most of us at that age.
Wrong again Argus! It was a 15 year old boy with custard for a brain. Like most of us at that age.
Posted by: ronnie, Brighton on 11:13pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Roger Tilbury[/bold] wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?[/quote] your a **** moron
Roger Tilbury wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
your a **** moron
Posted by: Flat foot soozie, brunswick square on 10:37am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Flat Foot Soozie[/bold] wrote:
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted. Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another? I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail. Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.[/quote] this is not my post
Flat Foot Soozie wrote:
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted. Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another? I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail. Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.
this is not my post
Posted by: don, brighton on 10:42am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Roger Tilbury[/bold] wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?[/quote] rodger the the child molesters defender, please comment on the new story about the sicko who attacked innocent children, go back a page or two. we await your defence of this pervert
Roger Tilbury wrote:
The Argus should simply monitor comments and pull all those signed with stupid nicknames and all those that are irerelevant to the story concerned. Why could the one train involved not have been moved to a siding? Why did trains (in the plural) have to be cancelled? Answer: so that the police can show off how powerful they are an how they are now the law and can do just as they like. We are on the way to becoming a police state. Why do newspapers never question this sort of police behaviour? Because they are told not to?
rodger the the child molesters defender, please comment on the new story about the sicko who attacked innocent children, go back a page or two. we await your defence of this pervert
Posted by: news reporter, here on 1:18pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Oh stop it will you all. we do NOT want or need a registration to post comments to the web here. the argus is a local rag with very poor levels of jouro and already CENSORS more comments than are posted, a registation would just allow even more. If you were true journos they would REPORT the NEWS and stop making it up or trying to make sensational headlines.
I find the argos more interesting, has more factual information. That and the metro. at least the metro is up to date.
Oh stop it will you all. we do NOT want or need a registration to post comments to the web here. the argus is a local rag with very poor levels of jouro and already CENSORS more comments than are posted, a registation would just allow even more. If you were true journos they would REPORT the NEWS and stop making it up or trying to make sensational headlines.
I find the argos more interesting, has more factual information. That and the metro. at least the metro is up to date.
Posted by: stan on 2:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Flat Foot Soozie[/bold] wrote:
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted. Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another? I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail. Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.[/quote] AAAAARRRGGHHHHH!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!please stop.........whimper
.
Flat Foot Soozie wrote:
I see that my comment, the first, about there being another such gun incident the other week, Eastburne way I think, is deleted. Perhaps it was followed by the usual pack of inadequate impostors. But I think it a very valid post, pointing to a possible increase in this fake handgun on trains business. What is causing it? Each incident bringing another? I agree that the Argus should have a registration system - I have said so many times, to no avail. Impostors deserve every misfortune which might befall them.
AAAAARRRGGHHHHH!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!please stop.........whimper
.
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