SWINTON CEMETERY EVACUATED AFTER EMERGENCY SERVICES CALLED OVER CONCERNS FOR THE WELFARE OF A MAN ON WESTMINSTER STREET

Updated: Police have brought an end to this incident after over more than seven hours of negotiations with a man for which they had concerns for welfare, who had locked himself inside a house.

Police say that at around 2pm today (Monday 23 November 2020), they were called to a report of concern for welfare of a man on Westminster Street in Swinton. 

As a precaution the surrounding roads and cemetery have been closed off to the public whilst police deal with the incident.

Northwest Ambulance Service deployed a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance along with members from its Hazardous Materials Response Team (HART) to the area.

It is understood that Police are currently locked in a standoff with a male who is threatening to jump from the window of a property on the road.

GMP have released a statement, saying:

Quote

 

"At around 2pm today (Monday 23 November 2020), police were called to a report of concern for welfare of a man on Westminster Street in Swinton.

"Emergency services attended and the street has been cordoned off as a precaution."

 

The forces helicopter was seen hovering overhead and members of the public reported armed officers making a visible presence at the scene which remains taped off this evening.

Residents in the area are being denied access to their homes and being advised to seek alternative accommodation until the incident is dealt with.

Details are still hazy but we hope to have more information soon.