Tamworth siege: dramatic ‘crossbow’ stand-off ends after almost a week as police arrest man

Police finally ended a dramatic armed siege involving a ‘man wielding a crossbow’ who barricaded himself inside a house for almost a week.

Officers had swooped on the residential street in Tamworth, Staffordshire, at 10.30am last Tuesday (6 September) after a man refused to leave the property.

The road was put in lockdown as specialist negotiators spoke to the man.

The tense stand-off went on for several days, during which time a McDonalds delivery was seen being taken to the address by an officer in a stab vest and helmet.

Staffordshire Police revealed the deadlock was finally broken on Monday evening - almost seven days after the siege began.

Dozens of armed police could be seen aiming their weapons at the address on Cross Street as cops negotiated with the suspect for six days straight.

‘The man had refused to leave the property’

A 31-year-old man, from Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and remains in custody.

Local policing Superintendent Jason Nadin said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation while we resolved this matter.”

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson previously said officers had been called to the scene following reports of concerns for the welfare of a man.

They had said: “The man had refused to leave the property and a number of threats had been made.

‘It’s been pretty frightening stuff’

Residents of around 30 properties were unable to get to their homes.

One local, who did not wish to be named, said previously: “It’s been pretty frightening stuff. There must have been around 50 cops on the street.”

Another resident had said: “We just hope it all comes to a safe conclusion. It’s been really tense and it’s scary that this can happen on your doorstep.

“There’s SWAT teams with guns, police dogs and officers swarming the place. It’s been crazy.”