Man detained as police end four-hour armed siege of New Forest home

Additional reporting by Harvey Squires

A MAN has been arrested by police after armed officers surrounded a home in New Milton this morning (Wednesday).

A heavy police presence, wearing body armour and riot shields, moved into Brecon Close, near the town's Tesco supermarket, before midday following reports of a disturbance and concern for residents' welfare.

The A&T understands there were several hours of negotiation as the road was closed and residents were told to stay in their homes or leave.

But shortly before 4pm a man was "safely" detained by officers, said the police.

An ambulance also arrived at the close but there were no signs of serious injuries. A man was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "The incident has now concluded. A man was detained at the scene."

One neighbour told the A&T officers had said the incident had been between two relatives.

He added: “There were two armed officers in the back garden and six out the front of the property and they were asking one of the occupants of the house to come out and talk with them.”

Another resident added: “I was taking pictures of wild flowers and then all of a sudden police cars appeared and officers jumped out armed with machine guns and shields, got dogs out and rushed down the road.”

Marked and unmarked police cars were at the scene as well as several dogs. A hazardous response team was also sent by South Central Ambulance Service.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson told the A&T: "We were called at 10.55am to reports of a disturbance at an address in Brecon Close, Ashley.

"Concerns were raised for the welfare of people at the address. Officers are on scene and dealing.

"On the basis of the information provided to police, armed officers were deployed."

Neighbours said the sudden appearance of armed officers in their front gardens had come as a “complete surprise”.

One told the A&T: “I was at the window and saw the police right at the end of the road and there were so many officers with guns, we couldn’t believe it… It’s a quiet close and nothing ever happens here.”

Another said: “I was about to go to Tesco in my car and when I got to the end of the drive saw a police officer with a massive gun standing in the neighbours front garden pointing it towards the house.”

Another resident added: “I’m from South Africa so to have this here, where it’s like a mini retirement village, is quite unbelievable."