Commuters faced chaos and confusion on Monday evening( November 3) as London Bridge train station was evacuated following reports of a man carrying distrustfully on a Thameslink service heading to the capital.
The incident sparked a nippy response from fortified police and sniffer tykes, causing major dislocation during the evening rush hour.
Heightened Tension as Armed Police Sweep London Bridge Station
The alarm was raised around 6.30 pm when officers were advised of a passenger reportedly acting aimlessly on a train travelling from St Albans to London.
The train was halted at London Bridge, one of the megacity’s busiest transport hubs, where police carried out a full security sweep.
⭕️ London Bridge Station evacuated due to an unspecified incident.
Another night in London…pic.twitter.com/hE9RBzU9dq
— ZIONS OF ISRAEL (@Israeli_Sniper) November 3, 2025
Witnesses described scenes of confusion as passengers were ordered off platforms 4 and 5, with others soon following. One commuter said they saw “armed police and sniffer dogs” boarding the train to conduct checks.
“[The] Train was stopped while officers carried out a full search. No one matching the description was found, while officers are satisfied there is no risk to the public, CCTV enquiries are ongoing,” British Transport Police
Following the hunt, British Transport Police verified that no individual matching the report was set up and that there was no ongoing trouble to the public. Officers added that CCTV enquiries are continuing.
Thameslink Confirms Delays and Passenger Compensation
The police operation brought corridor of the Thameslink network to a deadlock, affecting crucial routes connecting Bedford, Brighton, Gatwick Airport, and Cambridge. Services were gradually restored around 8 pm after officers cleared the scene.
Thameslink later reassured passengers that services had resumed and reminded travellers that they could claim compensation for delays: “Following reports of suspicious activity, police checks have been completed, and services are no longer being affected.
If you have been delayed by 15 minutes or more, you may be eligible for delay repay,” Thameslink on X (formerly Twitter)
First day back at work and everyone’s quite jumpy about getting on trains for obvious reason – just been evacuated from London Bridge train station with everyone else – no announcements, any idea what’s going on?
— Ben Howlett (@benhowlettuk) November 3, 2025
National Rail also confirmed that numerous services were impacted, including lines between West Hampstead Thameslink, Kentish Town, London Blackfriars, Rainham (Kent), and Horsham.
Commuters ‘Jumpy’ After Recent UK Train Incidents
Among those caught in the disruption was former Conservative MP Ben Howlett, who described the anxious mood inside the station.
“First day back at work and everyone’s quite jumpy about getting on trains for obvious reasons – just been evacuated from London Bridge train station with everyone else – no announcements, any idea what’s going on?”
His commentary reflected growing public concern after Saturday’s LNER train pecking between Doncaster and London King’s Cross, which injured 11 people. The recent torrent of road incidents has left numerous commuters on edge across the country.
As the evening settled, London Bridge station sluggishly returned to normal operations. Yet, the event served as a stark reminder of the heightened alertness across the UK’s transport network.
Police and road officers have prompted passengers to remain calm but stay watchful while travelling.
