Confused commuters might have thought they were boarding a flight at Heathrow rather than arriving at Twickenham station this morning.

Rush-hour passengers alighting at Twickenham walked through a metal detecting arch, often used to search for knives.

Police confirmed they were not searching any group in particular.

A police spokesman said: “It is all about a bit of community engagement and reassuring people.”

They added that some commuters had “run for it” and possible fare evaders had turned around when spotting the arch.

Nicholas Greenwood, 53, said: “I live in Clapham Junction and am visiting Twickenham to do a bit of shopping.

“I have never seen anything like it here and I do not think it will particularly deter people from committing crimes.”

Commuters used Twitter to make known to talk about going through the security measures.

Jess Kyle tweeted: “Metal detector at Twickenham Station! What’s going on?”

Kornel Flint said: “Leaving the train on Twickenham station and... Going via a metal detector guarded by #police #whatisgoingon ??”

MK100m said: “Federal at Twickenham train station.”

Police said the security arch will remain in place for several hours on Friday morning.

 

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