Man, 24, arrested after armed siege in Oxford ends peacefully
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police and an armed suspect exchanged fire during a siege in Oxford.
Police said the incident, which was sparked by reports of a man with a gun, ended peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday.
Thames Valley Police said officers returned fire when shots came from a property in Paradise Square in the city centre.
Shortly before 3am today a 24-year-old man from Oxford was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. He is currently in police custody.
-- TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) May 8, 2018
Nearby streets were cordoned off by officers from around 1.15pm on Monday until negotiations concluded at around 3am.
Omar Murtaza, 33, said he was evacuated with his wife and four children aged between seven weeks and six-years during the stand-off.
The theatre orderly at nearby John Radcliffe Hospital said: "It's a bit scary, this is normally a quiet neighbourhood. You don't expect guns anywhere really, but not in Oxford."
A man in his 30s who asked not to be named added: "I thought this area was statistically safe but hearing of an incident with a gun is scary."
Paramedics said one person was treated for non-life threatening injuries, which police described as not being serious.
Road closures were lifted on Tuesday morning but police officers were seen in a block of flats and patrolling a cordon in the alley lining the stream behind the terrace.
A firearms incident in Paradise Square, Oxford, has ended peacefully.
All road closures have been lifted in the area. A small scenewatch remains in place.
-- TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) May 8, 2018
A force spokesman said the 24-year-old suspect from Oxford remained in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
"Shots were fired from the property and police returned fire," he added.
Thank you to everyone for your understanding and patience while we worked to resolve the incident safely.
We are grateful for the support of members of the public and local businesses.
If you're coming in to Oxford today you should not experience any further disruption.
-- TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) May 8, 2018
Superintendent Joe Kidman thanked the community for its "understanding and patience".
"Officers are particularly grateful for the support of members of the public and local businesses," she added.
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