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A spectator jumps from the crowd and attempts to grab the Olympic flame from torchbearer Anna Skora in Gravesend. Picture: BBC
A teenager is still being quizzed (July 20) by police after a spectator tried to grab the Olympic torch in Gravesend.
Kent Police said the 17-year-old remained in custody following the dramatic flashpoint as the convoy entered the town that morning.
A bystander dashed from the crowds and attempted to snatch the flame from Polish torchbearer Anna Skora.
The young man was quickly grappled away by Olympic officials running alongside the convoy.
Witnesses said the young man was "shouting something to do with Allah" and people were booing him.
A bystander is grabbed by security officials. Picture: BBC
The drama happened on the A226 Rochester Road close to St John's Primary School at just before 10am.
Jessica Dadozi was filming the activity as the torch was run past her home in Rochester Road, Gravesend.
"I didn't realise what was happening at the time," she said. "It was only when I looked at the film I realised.
"I thought he was just trying to grab it as a stunt. He was shouting something to do with Allah. People were booing him.
"The torchbearer looked a bit scared, but she carried on running."
The torch continued on its way into Gravesend with Anna appearing to be smiling and unscathed.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "No one was injured in the incident and the torch continued without disruption."
The man is led away as Anna Skora holds onto the torch. Picture: BBC
Alex Quinn, 28, carried the torch along Rochester Road, Gravesend.
He said: “When we drove past in the bus the police had already pinned him to the ground.
"Anna was fine. She had come all the way from Poland to carry it, so it was a bit of an experience for her."
Michael Jennings, 74, of Gorsewood Avenue, Hartley, carried the torch past the clock tower in Gravesend.
He said: “The whole town turned out and someone had to be an idiot.
"Other than that it has been a fantastic day and the town should be proud to be able to put on such a day and control it.
“I don’t think I have seen crowds like this anytime before.”
Anna Skora pictured before the attempt to grab the Olympic torch
from her in Gravesend. Picture: Martin Apps
Anna was about to hand over the torch to Graham White, a Surrey charity worker, when the grab attempt happened.
Graham's parents, Peter and Sally White, from Devon, watched as the drama unfolded, along with Graham's wife, Jan.
Jan said: "It didn't spoil the day."
Peter White said: "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity."
