A man who was arrested after armed police spent hours in a standoff in St Helens has been released under investigation.
Police were called out to a betting shop on Waterdale Crescent in the Sutton area of the town during the early hours of Sunday morning following reports that a man had caused damage to a betting shop with a hammer.
On arrival, officers found the man had moved to a flat above the shop, where he was heard causing damage.
Police said the man, who put on an armoured vest, produced an axe and what appeared to be a long barrelled weapon with a scope, before threatening the officers.
Police then retreated and called in armed officers.
A containment was put in place whilst officers tried to negotiate with the man inside the flat.
The standoff concluded at around 9.23am (Sunday) when a man was arrested on suspicion of firearms and public order offences. He was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Police have now said that the man has been released under investigation.
Officers recovered a number of knives from the scene, a saw and a replica firearm.
Speaking on Sunday Chief Inspector Steve Brizell, said to the ECHO : "Officers attended at the address throughout the night to ensure the safety of the male concerned and the wider public. After several hours of negotiation the man came out of the premises and he has been arrested on suspicion of firearms and public order offences. He has been taken to hospital as a precaution.
"I would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding throughout this incident."
