Sparkbrook siege: Armed police surround Birmingham property as man barricades himself inside

Armed police have surrounded a Birmingham property where a man has remained locked inside ‘equipped with weapons’ - in a stand-off lasting more than 15 hours.

Dozens of officers swarmed the residential street in Sparkbrook, following reports of a ‘disorder with weapons’ at 11.30pm last night (Monday, September 25).

A man has since refused to leave the address resulting in a tense stand-off with police negotiators which is still ongoing this afternoon (Tuesday, September 26). The road has since been cordoned off and residents have been evacuated from their homes while several police vehicles remain at the scene.

Witnesses said they heard a row before seeing a man with blood pouring from his head running from the house and it is believed the occupant is armed with ‘various weapons’. One local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It’s been going on since about 11pm last night.

"There was an argument and I’m told a bloke was seen running with blood pouring from his head. We believe he is equipped with various weapons - including a knife and he’s the only one in there at the minute. I do not know him but this is usually a quiet street."

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "We are currently at a property in Osborn Road, Sparkbrook, following reports of a disorder involving weapons. Officers, including dedicated firearms officers, attended at just after 11.15pm last night and found a man had barricaded himself inside.

"Force negotiators are also at the scene and no one else is believed to be inside the property. The road remains cordoned off and neighbourhood officers are in the area to offer reassurance."