Man held on suspicion of knife murder after police stand-off at flat

Officers were called just before 3.30am to a disturbance at a flat on Smirthwaite View, near St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church.

A police spokesman said: “Officers attended and were confronted by a man armed with knives on a first floor flat balcony. The body of a second man could also be seen on the same balcony.

“The armed man made threats to officers and prevented the emergency services getting to the apparently fatally injured man.

“Negotiations commenced and the body was recovered at 4:09am. The suspect was then arrested at 4:24am.”

The injured man, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, a 21-year old local man, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Scenes of crimes officers dressed in white suits were yesterday scouring the flat and surrounding area for evidence. The flat door was badly damaged and was hanging off.

Ian Tudor, 42, saw the drama unfold from his nearby flat on Park Green. Mr Tudor said: “I was going to bed at about 3.30am when I saw a man on the balcony, ranting and taunting the police. It was pretty haunting to see.”

His partner Carrie Gill, 26, said: “I felt sick and shook up, knowing there was a body on the floor.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team by dialling 101, or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.