A block of flats was evacuated after a man allegedly forced his way inside and held a woman prisoner.
Merseyside Police cordoned off a section of Seddon Road and Earp Street, Garston, at around lunchtime today. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and engineers from Cadent gas network were also in attendance for several hours.
The focus of the operation was around a block of flats on the corner of Earp Street and Seddon Road, which was evacuated shortly before midday. One resident, in her 70s, said she had been unable to return to collect her medication or mobile phone.
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Police appeared to be engaged in a standoff with a suspect inside the flats, who was eventually recorded appearing to surrender peacefully at around 5.30pm. The man, who appeared to have mobility issues and leaned heavily on a walking stick, was escorted to a patrol car by police.
A witness described a police officer emerging from a block of flats as carrying a "petrol can" shortly before the suspect was led out.
Merseyside Police this evening confirmed a 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and assault causing actual bodily harm in connection with the incident.
The ECHO was told that earlier in the afternoon a woman had "jumped from a window". The ECHO has seen videos showing an ambulance crew rushing around the side of the building with a stretcher. The woman's condition has not been confirmed.
At the scene firefighters could be seen gathered opposite the building with breathing apparatus, while armed response officers with protective riot gear style clothing also arrived in Matrix vans.
Locals in the area said the flats were heated with electricity and there was no gas supply to the building. The terraced houses around the building were not evacuated, suggesting there was no risk of an explosion.
Some residents were told they could not enter their homes due to "safety reasons".
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