A 52-year-old man was arrested at Lanyon station in Belfast yesterday, Thursday 6 February, following reports of a man armed with a gun approaching young female passengers travelling on the train from Holywood.
Detective Sergeant McCartan, said:
“At around 3.30pm a man, who had claimed to be a police officer, approached two teenage girls at the train station in Holywood. He then moved his coat, and both observed what they believed to be a gun in his waistband. This male then boarded the same train carriage as girls.
“Whilst on the train, the male then took a seat next to another teenage girl and placed the weapon on his lap.
“This girl, who was obviously extremely frightened by the interaction, managed to get off the train at the next stop.
“During this time staff on board the train had been alerted, and the male was escorted off at Lanyon.
“Whilst being detained by security staff at the train station awaiting police, the male brandished the weapon, pointing it at staff. When subsequently searched by responding police officers, he was found to be carrying a BB gun.
“The suspect was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He remains in police custody this afternoon.
“This was a disturbing and upsetting ordeal for all of the young women involved. No one should be subject to this kind of harassing and intimidating behaviour anywhere, at any time. It is truly deplorable.”
Detective Sergeant McCartan added:
“Detectives would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured footage that could assist their enquiries and we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was approached by a man claiming to be a police officer - or under any other pretence they found suspicious - in Holywood, prior to the departure of the 3.30pm train to Belfast.
“We can be contacted on 101, quoting reference 1608 06/02/25. Information can also be submitted online here.”
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.