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Man dressed as Zorro with black cape and plastic sword arrested moments before LAX evacuated because of 'loud noises'

A man dressed as Zorro wearing a black cape and plastic sword was arrested in the moments before one of America's biggest airports was frantically evacuated.

Reports of an 'active shooter' inside a terminal at LAX resulted in thousands of travellers being ushered on to the tarmac.

But less than half an hour later, emergency services gave the 'all clear' and directed the distressed passengers back inside.

Travellers crowd around planes on the runway amid reports of active shooter. Photo: Ross Greenberg
Travellers crowd around planes on the runway amid reports of active shooter. Photo: Ross Greenberg

Video has emerged of the moments before the scare, as police surround a man wearing a black cape and hat as he sits on a chair outside the building.

Six officers and a police dog inch towards the man, who is instructed to move away from his plastic sword and lie on the ground.

It is unclear if he is connected to the evacuation.

Six officers and a police dog surrounded the man dressed as 'Zorro' outside the terminal. Photo: Sam Macon
Six officers and a police dog surrounded the man dressed as 'Zorro' outside the terminal. Photo: Sam Macon
The man was arrested in the moments before the evacuation. Photo: Sam Macon
The man was arrested in the moments before the evacuation. Photo: Sam Macon

Early reports stated that shots were fired in terminal 8, but police have denied the claims.

Commanding officer of LAPD media relations Andy Neiman tweeted that no shots were fired.

"Report of shooting at LAX proven to be LOUD NOISES only no shots fired no injuries investigation continues to locate source," he wrote on Twitter.

Terrified travellers took to social media to share footage of people fleeing the airport after 9pm on Sunday night local time.

“Just ran for my life at #lax people screaming “active shooter”. Followed TSA personnel to safety,” wrote Ross Greenberg on Twitter.

“People are continually walking out of Terminal A onto the tarmac in waves,” Dougles Lee wrote.

Helicopters circled the area and fire engines, ambulances and police cars rushed to the scene.

Stranded passengers wait while authorities conduct a sweep of the building. Photo: Twitter/Douglas Lee
Stranded passengers wait while authorities conduct a sweep of the building. Photo: Twitter/Douglas Lee

LAX tweeted that: “At this point, no confirmation of shooting can be verified”.

Travellers were relocated towards one end of the terminal while their bags are still sitting at the gates throughout the building, according to witnesses.

A precautionary sweep of the airport was carried out by authorities.