Armed Stand-off & Hostage Situation
At approximately 13:51 PM today, police received an emergency call reporting an armed individual inside a warehouse storage unit near the docks. Initial information suggested that a male suspect, allegedly linked to a known organised crime group, had taken a rival gang member hostage at gunpoint following an ongoing dispute.
Police Response & Deployment
Upon receiving the report, and the potential threat to life, Armed Firearms Officers (AFOs) were requested, and the use of firearms was formally authorised. Once the emergency call was received, senior officers and tactical commanders reviewed the available intelligence and assessed the risk level based on national policing guidelines.
The incident was looked over by a Authorised Firearms Bronze Commander. The responsible for managing critical incidents, particularly those involving firearms, hostages, or significant threats to public safety. Throughout the incident, officers followed the National Decision Model (NDM) to continuously assess whether force, including lethal force, was necessary and proportionate. The priority was always to resolve the situation peacefully, with the use of force as a last resort. The presence of Hostage and Crisis Negotiators (HCN) played a crucial role in securing a peaceful resolution, ensuring that no shots were fired and that the suspect surrendered without major injuries.
Given the volatile situation and the presence of a firearm, Hostage and Crisis Negotiators (HCN) were swiftly called to the scene. Negotiators engaged in prolonged dialogue with the suspect, attempting to de-escalate the situation and secure the safe release of the hostage. The suspect was reportedly highly agitated and made several demands, including a request for safe passage out of the area. Throughout the stand-off, officers worked methodically to assess all available tactical options. Negotiators focused on building rapport with the suspect, ensuring that emotions did not escalate further. At the same time, armed officers remained on standby, prepared to intervene should the threat level increase.
The National Police Air Service (NPAS62) was deployed and provided live aerial surveillance of the scene, relaying critical information to officers on the ground. The helicopter’s thermal imaging and high-powered camera systems helped monitor the suspect's movements within the building when he was near windows and doors, ensuring officers had real-time intelligence to assist with tactical planning.
A Firearms Support Dog (FSD) Unit was also deployed to assist in the operation. The highly trained police dog was utilised to help detect potential hidden weapons and provide additional support to armed officers should dynamic intervention be required.
Resolution of the Incident
After an extended period of negotiations, the suspect eventually agreed to disarm and surrender. At approximately 16:23 PM, the suspect exited the warehouse with his hands raised and was swiftly detained by armed officers without further resistance.
The hostage was safely released and assessed by paramedics at the scene, confirming that no serious injuries had been sustained. The suspect was taken into police custody and is currently being questioned by detectives. A firearm was recovered from the scene and will undergo forensic examination. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation by specialist officers.
Detectives are currently reviewing CCTV footage, taking witness statements, and working to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the stand-off. Additional patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure the public and prevent any potential retaliation linked to gang-related activity.