People were led to safety as a man was seen holding “a giant axe” in Sidcup.

The incident is believed to have happened in Sidcup High Street at about 2.15pm today when the drama broke out.

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, received a text from her son urging her to stay away from the area.

She told News Shopper: “My son told me to stay away from the high street because a kid had been beaten up by a gang.

“He saw a man, who wasn’t wearing a top, outside Waitrose with a giant axe shouting at people.

“And my son helped a woman and her child into a shop where they were safe and away from the man. It sounded horrible.”

The Met Police confirmed they were called to the High Street.

A spokesman said: “We received reports of a suspicious male in possession of a weapon. Officers attended the scene but there was no trace of the man or the victim.”

Did you see what happened? Email jake.bacon@london.newsquest.co.uk.