A hunt is under way for a gunman who threatened police after a collision in North Acton following a car chase.
Armed officers and the police helicopter were brought in to assist a search of the area following the early morning incident.
Metropolitan Police said it attempted to stop a car initially seen in Harlesden High Street shortly before 8.45am today (Thursday December 29).
Officers spotted the car again in Victoria Road, which led to a chase after the driver drove off at speed.
A short while later the car was in a collision with a member of the public's vehicle at the Victoria Road junction on the A40.
The force said a male from the car being pursued then threatened officers with a firearm, before he made off on foot.
Armed police were called to the scene, along with the National Police Air Service, and an area search was launched.
There are no reported injuries and detectives are continuing the investigation.
A statement from The Met said: "The police vehicle pursued the car with blue lights and sirens in operation.
"A short while later the car was in collision with a member of the public's vehicle at Victoria Road junction with the A40.
"A male from the car that was being pursued then threatened officers with what appeared to be a firearm, he subsequently made off on foot.
"Firearms officers were called to the scene along with the National Police Air Service and an area search was conducted."
No arrests have been made and enquires are ongoing.
Detectives from the Trident and Command Area Crime Command are investigating.
Passengers were facing delays this morning after one lane was blocked on the A40 Western Avenue, at the Horn Lane junction, before it was reopened before 12pm.
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