Knives hurled at police in siege
A MAN sparked a four-hour siege after allegedly throwing knives at police officers who rushed to his house to check on his well-being.
Police were called to the man's house on Norman St, Basin Pocket, about 5.10am Friday, after flatmates of the 49-year-old became concerned at his behaviour.
Acting Inspector Kevin Harrigan said the man was outside the house when the first responding crew arrived.
Police allege the man threw three knives at the officers before going back inside.
"As a result, the man barricaded himself inside the house," Insp Harrigan said.
"Police then cordoned off a large area."
Motorists and pedestrians were unable to access Norman St, with police also blocking Barry St to the south, Goodwin St to the north and Blackall St to the west.
Two police negotiators were called in to convince the man to come back outside.
Members of the dog squad were also parked in the street, but were not required.
It took about four hours for the man to come out to the front lawn and into a waiting ambulance.
He was nursing what appeared to be a knife wound to his stomach, which police allege was the result of self-harm.
"He was carrying several sharp-edged weapons and had threatened police with them," Insp Harrigan said.
Police were not able to comment on what they believe may have caused the man to become agitated in the first place.
Two officers accompanied him to hospital, where he was taken for a mental health assessment.
No other injuries were reported. Police were yet to lay charges as of Friday.
