London: Two teenage boys were arrested after they allegedly threw a heavy seat from the third floor of Stratford Westfield shopping centre, narrowly missing the shoppers below.
The incident took place on Saturday, March 1, and came to light when a video of the act began circulating online. The footage showed the seat being hurled over the railing, followed by a group of boys running up an escalator.
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As per a report by BBC, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old have been taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. Both suspects are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.
Westfield management also acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the matter is now being handled by the police.
Inspector Dan Window from Stratford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team called the act a "serious incident" and urged anyone with further information to come forward.
"This could have had tragic consequences, and we are determined to identify everyone involved," Window told BBC.
The viral video sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the reckless behaviour of the teenagers. Shoppers who were present at the time expressed shock, saying the falling seat could have seriously injured or even killed someone had it landed just a few feet differently.
Police are now reviewing security footage from inside the shopping centre to piece together the events leading up to the incident and to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
