Springfield Hospital has confirmed that a man arrested for brandishing a BB "machine" gun outside a school gates this morning is one of its patients. Terrified witnesses, including a woman carrying a baby, dialled 999 after the man appeared outside Fircroft Primary School in Glenburnie Road, Tooting, on Tuesday morning just before 9.30am wearing combat gear and wielding the intimidating weapon.

Armed officers were rapidly deployed and, after securing the school's premises, tracked down the man and arrested him about an hour later. No shots were fired and no one was hurt during the incident.

Fortunately pupils were inside the school at the time although some parents witnessed the man's appearance.

Nearby Springfield Hospital later confirmed the man is a patient there, describing him as "eccentric" but not considered a risk to others.

The owner of Cafe Ccinos on Glenburnie Road said he has known the arrested man for about nine years and described him as a "gentle giant".

Ayer Mehmet said his name is Chris and he usually wears army clothing but his behaviour had changed in recent weeks.

He said: "Chris came in this morning in combat gear but this time with a balaclava - this caused a bit of a stir amongst those seated at the cafe tables - but I reassured them he was harmless.

"He has been talking to himself more, looking uncomfortable and mumbling a lot more than before - his behaviour has definitely changed."

Immediately after the incident Wandsworth's borough commander spoke to the Wandsworth Guardian to reassure local residents and parents.

Chief-superintendent David Chinchen said: "A number of people rang in relation to a character wearing combats clothing or army fatigues who appeared to be in possession of a firearm.

"We attended very promptly and secured the school itself before making a quick search of the area when we found the individual in question.

"There were already officers on patrol in the area who were there within two minutes.

"It is really important that people understand that we made an arrest very quickly."

Police believe the man did not intend to threaten the school and his appearance outside it was merely "coincidental".

A spokesman for the hospital said: "At the time of the incident, the individual concerned was not detained under the Mental Health Act and was a voluntary patient at the hospital.

"This means that he had agreed to his treatment plan with the clinical team and had freedom of movement."

It said it would review his care and treatment when he is released from custody back into their care.

BB guns are a type of air gun designed to shoot pellets called BBs after the birdshot pellet of approximately the same size.

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