Armed police, firefighters and paramedics are attending a large scale incident on Avenue Road in Sandown this afternoon (Wednesday) with the road closed to both traffic and pedestrians.
The emergency services are on scene at a residential address between Fort Street and Victoria Road near the Central Convenience store.
Numerous police officers, including several Armed Response Officers, were initially called to the residential property at around 15:15 before requesting the assistance of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. 3 fire appliances from Shanklin, Newport and Ryde fire stations are now in attendance, alongside the Incident Command Unit and senior officers.
The exact circumstances of the incident are currently unknown, however, Island Echo understands properties are being evacuated and a cordon has been put in place.
Motorists are diverting via Fort Street and Culver Parade in both directions with members of the public being asked to avoid the area.
UPDATE @ 16:00 – Island Echo understands a male is refusing to leave a property and has made threats. It’s also known that the windscreen of a Police vehicle has been smashed, thought to be as a result of a TV being thrown out the window.
Meanwhile, firefighters are standing by with extinguishers at the ready; hoses are laid out and fire appliances have been hooked up to hydrants, should they be required.
Paramedics are remaining at a safe distance, with an Ambulance Officer now also on the scene.
More armed response units are reported to be responding to the incident.
UPDATE @ 16:20 – Hampshire Constabulary has said they are attending a concern for welfare report, with a male making threats to Police if they were to enter the property.
A spokesperson has said:
“We are on scene dealing with a concern for welfare at an address on Avenue Road, Sandown.
“When officers attended a man refused to come out of the address and made threats if officers enter the address.
“There were also reports of a small fire within the property.
“Officers are on scene with our colleagues from the ambulance and fire services.”
Further Authorized Firearms Officers (AFOs) have arrived on the scene and have moved into the ‘hot zone’.
UPDATE @ 16:40 – Armed officers from the Island and mainland have now moved in on the property and has successfully arrested 1 male (featured photo).
The suspect has been walked to an awaiting police cell van and is expected to be taken into custody at Newport Police Station.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and criminal damage.
Firefighters are checking the building for any potential seats of fire. Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has now stood down from the standoff.
UPDATE @ 16:50 – Following the successful conclusion of the incident, Armed Officers are de-kitting and are beginning to stand down. It is understood there have been at least 7 armed officers present at the standoff this afternoon.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is now also standing down from the incident having conducted a search of the property.
The road is expected to reopen to traffic in due course.
UPDATE @ 17:15 – Avenue Road has now reopened to traffic.
The police vehicle which sustained a smashed windscreen outside the property in question has now been recovered from the scene.
Do well sandown. Covid crew
Guess it’s the same fruitcake as last week – yet more to come when pennyfeathers gets built!
All this again for 1 person?
I’m trying to comment, but you won’t let me
Well done all involved
What’s happening in Sandown? Its becoming the crime centre of the island. Could you describe this place as a family holiday destination. cant see it improving anytime soon. SAD.
What the hell is wrong with this fella? Is he on drugs or something…….
What a waste of taxpayers money, disgusting.
Did that really need 7 armed policemen ?
Plan for the worst case scenario, if you need to use the resources,it’s there, if you don’t, bonus, everyone goes home safe.
By that logic they should have brought tactical nuclear weapons as well.
A massive armed response to what appears to be a relatively minor offence is a massive overreaction and put lives at risk.
What next? An armed response to a teenager shoplifting sweets?
How do you contain a property front back and sides then?
and they want more hostels in sandown
Why should we have to live amongst wasters and low life like him. RESPECT and DECENCY has gone!!!!
And they want more hostels in Sandown.
Funny how the people pushing for this dont even live in sandown, they would not be so keen to put it on there own doorstep.
I’ve lived in a big City that notes where the problem people live in certain areas. Then top it up with additional trouble makers, hoping nobody would notice. Misery for the law abiding residents.
No doubt drug related, the scum need chucking off Culver cliff.
Which bright spark decided to call this place ‘Avenue Road?’ If it’s an avenue it’s not a road. If it’s a road it’s not an avenue.