A MAN was arrested after he barricaded himself in his bedroom with a gun and three knives during an hour-long seige in Poole.

Armed police rushed to the Millfield estate in Creekmoor after receiving a call from the man's parents, who said their son's behaviour was becoming increasingly irrational.

A cordon was put around the house and residents were evacuated at around 8pm on Friday.

Chief Inspector Nick Maton said: "Officers initially attended, vacated the family to safety and put a containment on the building.

"Negotiations were then entered into with the person, who at one point produced a hand gun before throwing it from the window.

"It was quickly ascertained that this was an air weapon and the parents were able to confirm that to the best of their knowledge he had no access to any other firearms.

"Officers in riot gear then entered the house and the man was arrested in his bedroom on suspicion of affray."

His next door neighbour Mary Dyche said: "The police told me I was perfectly safe but that he was armed to the teeth.

"I noticed noises at about 5pm and then the police knocked on my door and told me to lock myself in."

First published: August 30