Armed Stand Off Ends In Southend

Armed police have entered a house in Southend and arrested a man after a 20 hour stand off.

It started when police tried to arrest a 52 year old man on Elizabeth Road yesterday lunchtime (Weds 6th July).

He locked himself in the house, claiming to be armed and holding two women.

They were released in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Officers then continued to negotiate with the man inside.

Nearly 20 hours after they first arrived at the scene, police entered the house this morning (Thurs 7th July) and arrested a 52 year old man on suspicion of threats to kill.

He was taken to Southend hospital as police searched the house.

Two local women aged 36 and 51 have also been arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms and are currently in police custody.