Train diverted after concerns raised over Stormtrooper carrying 'firearm'

Officers responded to reports of a man with a firearm entering Aberdeen station around 9am on Saturday.

Dundee train diverted after man dressed as a Stormtrooper reported for ‘firearm possession’ in Aberdeen Getty Images

A Dundee-bound train was forced to divert after concerns were raised that a man in Star Wars fancy dress was carrying a firearm.

Officers responded to reports of a man with a firearm entering Aberdeen train station around 9am on Saturday.

The man, known as the Grampian Stormtrooper, took to social media to explain he was travelling to Dundee in costume to attend comic convention Dee Con.

Dressed as one of the Imperial soldiers, the man had a plastic “blaster” in his possession when police received a report he was carrying ”a firearm”.

The Grampian Stormtrooper told his 1,100 Facebook followers that he was approached by a guard while onboard the train, before the train was returned to Aberdeen.

ScotRail confirmed the diversion and the man told followers he was met by police officers, two of which were armed.

“Apparently someone reported it to the police, the train went back to Aberdeen,” he said on social media.

“Met by two firearms officers, three Police Scotland, Two British Transport police, and had to chat to them all in an office.”

He later said that he was taken to his home by officers to get a bag for the blaster and asked not to wear Stormtrooper armour on the train.

Despite dressing up as a Stormtrooper for over ten years, the man said this was the first time he had any issues with the blaster and said he may have to close his social media page following the incident.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers received reports of a man with a firearm entering Aberdeen station just before 9am on Saturday (April 6).

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from Police Scotland and it was determined it was a false alarm.”

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