BBC On Lockdown As Man Douses Himself In Petrol And Threatens To Set Himself On Fire

The BBC is on lockdown after the potentially life-threatening stunt outside the corporation’s London headquarters New Broadcasting House.

The man was heard shouting slogans before he doused himself with the fluid and pulled out a lighter.

UK Express

Security scrambled to wrestle the man to the ground before police swooped to arrest him.

Two suspect bags were also removed for inspection by police.

Images show police swarming the building in west London.

BBC journalist Emilia Papadopoulos tweeted;

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called today, Wednesday, 10 June at 09:11hrs to the BBC, Portland Place, W1 to reports of a man threatening to set fire to himself. 

"Officers attended and the man has been detained. 

"We remain at the scene and as a precaution, two bags at the location are being looked at by specialist officers. 

"A cordon is in place around the front of the building. 

"Officers are working closely with security. 

"The building has not been evacuated."