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Northolt standoff: armed police spend second night outside house Northolt standoff: armed police spend second night outside house
(about 1 hour later)
Armed police have spent a second night locked in a standoff with a man who is feared to have dangerous items in his home. Armed police remain locked in a standoff with a man who is feared to have petrol and combustible material in his home.
Up to 80 people have been evacuated from addresses in the surrounding area in Northolt, north-west London, as a precaution. Up to 80 people have been evacuated from addresses in the surrounding area in Northolt, north-west London, as a precaution. A 200-metre police cordon remains in place.
Scotland Yard said police were called just before 1am on Saturday to reports of concerns for an occupant and hazardous articles inside the address at Wood End Lane. Scotland Yard said police were called in the early hours of Saturday morning following reports of concerns about an occupant and hazardous articles inside the address at Wood End Lane.
Armed officers and negotiators remain at the scene. Police believe the man is alone inside the address and may have barricaded himself in the property.
Neighbours told the BBC that the man had “aggressive, dangerous dogs”, which was one reason why police were being particularly cautious and had not tried to enter the property. A police statement said: “Whilst it is not known exactly what the man has inside the property police are treating seriously reports that the items appeared hazardous and dangerous, as they are said to include quantities of petrol and combustible material. It has also been reported that attempts have been made to prevent access to the property.”
The Met said he had not engaged with officers and all options were being considered. There were concerns for the man’s wellbeing and it is believed he may be experiencing mental health issues, which could be exacerbated by police action.
The priority was “to bring this incident to a safe conclusion, and that may take some time”, the force said.
Ch Supt Paul Martin, who is in charge of policing for Ealing, said: “I know that our operation has been ongoing for some time now and that it is causing disruption and inconvenience to local residents and the community of Northolt. I would like to thank them for their continued patience and cooperation.
“I can understand why people may be feeling frustrated or concerned. Their local officers are out on duty today to speak to local people, keep them updated and understand any concerns that they may have.”
Neighbours told the BBC that the man had “aggressive, dangerous dogs”, which was one reason why police were being particularly cautious and had not tried to enter the house.
A woman who claimed to be a cousin of the man told the broadcaster he had recently had a “breakdown”.A woman who claimed to be a cousin of the man told the broadcaster he had recently had a “breakdown”.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said: “While it is not known what the man has inside the property, police are treating seriously reports that the items could be dangerous and that attempts have been made by the man to prevent access to the address. There is no suggestion that this incident is terrorist-related, nor is it linked to any other ongoing investigation or operation.” Armed officers and negotiators remain at the scene.
Ealing’s council leader, Julian Bell, said officials were working closely with the police to try to deal with the incident. Martin added: “The operation will continue for as long as is necessary and I would like to stress that we are doing all we can – using all our tactics – to end this incident safely.”
“The safety of our residents is our top priority and council officers will continue to be on hand to give any necessary assistance until the incident has been resolved,” he said. There was no suggestion that the incident was terrorist related and nor was it linked to any other ongoing investigation or operation, police said.
The 80 people forced from their homes have been temporarily rehoused.
Ealing council’s leader, Julian Bell, said: “The safety of our residents is our top priority and council officers will continue to be on hand to give any necessary assistance until the incident has been resolved.”