Armed police surround house where man remains locked inside with son, eight, as siege continues for second day
- Armed police have surrounded a house in the Earlsdon area of Coventry
- A 41-year-old man has locked himself inside with his eight-year-old son
- Officers were called to house for welfare check shortly after midnight on Sunday
- Specially trained officers then swooped to scene after he refused to leave
Armed police continue to surround a house in Coventry where a man remains locked inside with his eight-year-old son for a second day.
The stand-off at the property, in a residential street in the Earlsdon area of the city, began at around 12.20am on Sunday when officers were carrying out a welfare check on the father and son.
However, around 20 officers then swarmed to the scene after the 41-year-old man refused to leave the address.
Homeowners on the road and surrounding areas have been told to stay inside while the heavy police presence, which includes armed officers, continue to deal with the incident.
Coventry Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Pete Henrick said: 'We understand that this situation is deeply worrying for some local residents and we want to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to bring it to a safe conclusion.
'I ask that people bear with us as specialist officers remain at the scene.'
According to locals, the man is believed to have asked police for a fish finger sandwich on white bread.
Armed police officers outside a property in Earlsdon Avenue North, Coventry, where police remain in a stand-off with a man on Monday
An armed officer points his weapon towards the property while positioned behind a shield on Monday afternoon
An armed officer pictured walking close to the address while carrying a firearm
Armed police at the scene of a residential street in the Earlsdon area of Coventry, where a man has locked himself inside a house with his eight-year-old son
Armed officers point their weapons towards the house, where the father and son have been locked inside for more than 35 hours
Earlsdon Avenue North and a number of surrounding roads have been closed off while police deal with the incident
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'A cordon remains in place around a house in Earlsdon Avenue North, Coventry, this morning where a man has been refusing to come out since the early hours of yesterday morning.
'The 41-year-old has his eight-year-old son with him and there are some concerns for their safety.
'Several officers, including armed police and other specially trained officers, are at the scene to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
'Unfortunately, residents, businesses, a school and travel are severely disrupted by the cordon.
'We’re sorry for the inconvenience, but our priority is the safety of those involved.'
A local primary school was closed for pupil safety, while a nearby library was opened up for residents and officers to use while the street was locked down.
A spokesperson for the Earlsdon Primary School said: 'West Midlands Police cordoned off an area of Earlsdon Avenue North today while officers deal with an incident.
An armed police officer outside a property in Earlsdon Avenue North, Coventry, where police remain in a stand-off with a man
Officers from West Midlands Police were called to a home on Earlsdon Avenue North at around 12.20am on Sunday
Police officers guard the scene of a cordon in the residential road on Monday morning
'The decision has been taken to close the school on Monday.
'We apologise for any inconvenience. We hope you understand this is in the interest of pupils, staff and parents.'
Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, said she was 'very concerned' and in contact with police.
She tweeted: 'I am very concerned about the ongoing incident on Earlsdon Avenue North, with part of the area cordoned off and Earlsdon Primary School temporarily closed.
'I am in touch with the local police and am closely following the incident.'
Residents living near to the ongoing siege have also told of how they have been left trapped in their homes since officers descended on the street.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said his wife had been unable to go to work this morning.
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He added: 'There are police everywhere, but they aren’t telling us much.
'We only know a bloke is in there with his son and everybody is just praying for a safe conclusion.'
A woman, who lives on Newcombe Road, said she has not been allowed to leave her house since 3pm on Sunday.
She said: 'We were looking out the window and popped out of the front door to have a look, and we were told that we had to stay inside.
'People in the street were also told to not to walk their dogs or go the nearby shops. We've been stuck inside ever since. They eased off a little this morning, because I needed to go the shops for my child.
'We can see several unmarked police cars and one car with guns pointed at the house, as well as officers congregating around the front door.
"I have never seen or met the person or the child in the house, but I know the house is a half-way house.
"It's been over 30 hours now, it has been a complete surprise."
Coventry City Council is arranging temporary accommodation for families stranded outside the cordon, while a 'rest centre' has been set up at Earlsdon Library.
A council spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the police as they respond to an on-going incident on Earlsdon Avenue North.
'We can confirm that we have organised a rest centre for those who need it within Earlsdon Library and we will also arrange temporary accommodation for anyone that is unable to enter their homes because of the police cordon.'
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