Picture: Chmee2
Officers, who were patrolling the ground floor, stopped and searched a man they suspected of having a weapon at around 4.20pm.
They found him carrying a knife and arrested him at the scene.
Unrelated panic ensued moments later when a loud crash rang out, which was caused by a breaking counter top in the food court area of the first floor.
Crowds of shoppers then rushed to find an exit, fearing the worst.
People on twitter described the incident as “terrifying,” with one person claiming huge crowds of shoppers rushed at them shouting “run, run, run!”
There were no reported injuries, however, and additional police were sent to the scene to help security.
No other incidents occurred throughout the day and the suspect has been taken to an east London police station for questioning.
Tags: Newham, Stratford, Westfield