Gun cops in tense standoff with man on residential street as neighbours EVACUATED from homes
ARMED cops swooped on a residential street yesterday after a man refused to leave his home - before throwing a "pyrotechnic device" at officers.
Negotiators, fire crews and ambulances were also at the scene in West Wick, Somerset, near Weston-super-Mare, where residents have been evacuated.
It is understood the standoff has been going on for more than ten hours, with cops also deploying a drone and cordoning off around 20 homes.
Neighbours told Somerset Live they heard a "bang" shortly before officers arrived at the scene at 11 o'clock yesterday morning.
And officers were forced to withdraw from the scene last night after the device, possibly a flare, was thrown out of a window
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "Officers first attended a property on Turnock Gardens at about 11am on Tuesday to arrest a man for multiple offences.
"When the man refused to leave officers forced the front door to find objects obstructing the entrance.
"A pyrotechnic device was subsequently thrown out of a window prompting the officers to withdraw and call for additional resources.
"These include highly trained negotiators who are working hard to get the man to come out and to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
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"Armed officers are also at the scene as a precautionary measure due to threats made towards officers and the belief there are weapons within the property.
"A cordon is currently in place around the property and will remain while the police operation continues."
Chief inspector Jess Aston added: "This is an isolated incident and one which we don’t believe poses a risk to the wider public.
"Negotiators have made contact with the man while we’re liaising very closely with our colleagues in the mental health crisis team, as well as other emergency services who are at the scene, to ensure his safety.
"While we deal with the incident we’ve asked residents in a small number of neighbouring properties to vacate their homes as a precaution and our local authority colleagues continue to liaise with them should they need any support.
"We recognise the disruption and inconvenience this has caused and we’re grateful for the understanding those affected have shown.
"We hope to bring this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as we can."
