Police ram-raid flat to end violent siege

Six men were arrested at the address in Berghestede Road in the early hours of Sunday morning after specialist negotiators failed to encourage the group to emerge from the ground-floor flat.

According to police, officers were called to the home at 1am after reports of a burglary and assault at a nearby location. They were refused access to the property and were treated in a threatening manner by those at the flat.

A total of ten police cars were called to the scene in a bid by officers to break the deadlock, and they surrounded the area.

Investigating the case, DC David Midgley confirmed a large amount of resources had been deployed to resolve the incident.

He said: "Officers were called to the ground-floor flat but were refused entry and called for additional support at the address.

"Those inside made threats to officers and set about destroying parts of the property, smashing windows and throwing items out of the window, including a microwave.

"Police negotiators attempted to convince them to give themselves up but they could not be persuaded," said the DC, who added police then used an 'enforcer' battering ram to gain access to the property.

The men at the address, aged between 25 and 58 and believed to be of Polish origin, were arrested and taken into custody.

They have now been bailed to appear before police at a later date.

Police confirmed the alleged offenders were known to the victims of the burglary and assault claim which had sparked the incident.

Details of the items believed to have been stolen are not being released.

The Berghestede Road property, which suffered extensive damage during the stand-off, was boarded up with its front window smashed and door missing.

A notice placed outside warned legal action would be taken against its occupants if they did not vacate the property immediately.

Its landlord, who asked not to be named, said: "I would just like to thank the police for what they have done.

"They have been very sympathetic to my situation and have kept me updated."

n Police are now appealing for witnesses. Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact DC David Midgley at 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Selsfield or alternatively call Crime- stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

What do you think? Send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click here to add yourself to our readers' map.