Armed police respond to 'concern for welfare' incident as several roads closed in Blackpool

Police closed several roads in Blackpool after a man reportedly barricaded himself in a house on Northumberland Avenue at around 11.20am today (June 17).

Officers were initially called to reports of an assault, but when they arrived they found a man who was threatening to harm himself.

Armed police, several police cars, fire engines and an ambulance were called to the scene, along with a negotiator, according to eye witness reports.

Officers have confirmed a 49-year-old man was arrested at around 3.30pm - nearly four hours after police were first called to the incident.

A Blackpool Police spokesperson said: “A man, 49, has been arrested following an incident today.

“He left the address safely at 3.30pm."

Photos shared by residents who live on Northumberland Avenue showed a heavy police presence in the area, with both ends of the road cordoned off with cars and tape.

Several roads had been closed in the area, including around Warbreck Road, Northumberland Avenue and Holmefield Road.

Members of the public were asked to avoid the area while police brought the incident to a safe conclusion.