Queen's Guard pulls rifle on would-be intruder who ranted at police before marching towards the gates

[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]

An armed Queen's Guard raised his rifle at a ranting potential intruder outside Buckingham Palace in a 'shocking' drama outside the royal gates.

The tense encounter came after the man, who was seen at the north centre gate of the Queen's residence, had spent five minutes shouting at royal protection officers.

The guard, dressed in the traditional red uniform and bearskin hat, reportedly strode 50 yards from his post to up the pressure in the confrontation.

Witnesses described how his raised raised, with an attached bayonet, was levelled at the throat of the man as they exchanged heated words on Friday afternoon.

Tourist Gareth Scanlan, 32, told The Sun how the man's encounter with police escalated before the armed soldier rushed to the scene.

Mr Scanlan said that when confronted the bayonet, the would-be intruder said 'Oh you're a big boy now' to the soldier - thought to be Scottish - who in turned replied 'Yes I am a big boy' before pushing him.