West Bromwich: Homes evacuated as ‘armed man’ barricades himself inside flat

53-year-old man ‘refusing’ to leave property on Birmingham Road, say local police

Police negotiators are at the scene of a stand-off in West Bromwich following reports of an incident involving an armed man.

West Midland Police were first called to an address on Birmingham Road on Sunday night.

“On arrival a 53-year-old man barricaded himself inside a flat and is refusing to come out,” the force said in a statement.

“Some neighbouring flats have been evacuated as a precaution. Specialist negotiators are currently trying to talk with the man.”

Officers have closed off the area at the junction of Beeches Road and Bagnall Street.

The situation, which comes amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, was ongoing as of 12pm on Monday.