Man remanded over Tottenham Court Road office siege

A man has appeared in court over a siege which closed one of London's busiest shopping streets.

Michael Green, 48, of Archer Road in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, faced Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in north London charged with possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid/gas or electrical incapacitating device.

He is also accused of false imprisonment, making a bomb hoax, causing criminal damage and recklessly endangering life.

Green, who wore a grey sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the five-minute hearing.

Tottenham Court Road was closed for hours on Friday after a man stormed into an office, allegedly making threats and carrying a weapon.

After negotiators and armed police were called, the suspect emerged stripped to the waist and was led away by officers.

No bail application was made by Green's solicitor, Ross Dixon, and he was remanded in custody by the Chair of the Magistrates' panel, Michael Solano.

He will next appear at Blackfriars Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on July 24.

PA