'Peaceful end' sought in M4 siege

Police set up floodlights as night drew in

Police say they will continue their negotiations with a man holding a two-year-old boy captive on the M4 motorway, for as long as it takes to bring the siege to a peaceful conclusion.

A section of the motorway in Wiltshire remains closed in both directions, as police talk to the man, believed to be armed, who is inside a parked camper van on the hard shoulder.

The purpose of the operation is to bring about a peaceful solution and the safe release of the child regardless of how long it takes

Wiltshire Police

The continuing stand-off, which began in the early hours of Saturday morning, caused traffic gridlock and up to 10-mile tailbacks as vehicles were diverted along other routes.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said on Saturday evening that negotiations with the man were ongoing, and their objectives were still "to bring about a peaceful resolution and the safe release of the child".

He added: "However situations such as these cannot be rushed and we expect the M4 to be closed for some further hours yet."

He apologised for any inconvenience, but said police were grateful for the public's co-operation in avoiding the area and not jeopardising the operation.

Armed police preparing for a long wait have wheeled a light onto the hard shoulder to assist the negotiations through the night.

Cross-county pursuit

Food and drink were delivered to the van throughout the day by police.

The man had been followed by police through several counties on Friday evening from an address in Cornwall, where he had been seen with what "appeared to be a gun".

He eventually stopped between junctions 16 and 17 of the M4 in the early hours of Saturday morning after running out of petrol.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident began late on Friday night, when officers were called to an address in Sennen, near Land's End, Cornwall.

He said: "A weapon was produced and officers withdrew so as not to exacerbate the situation or put the child in danger.

"The man made off with the child and appeared to be in possession of what looked like a gun."

Police said the man had displayed "unusual driving tactics" as he was followed up the M5 through Devon and Somerset.

"We followed at a safe distance though Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire and it was handed to Wiltshire Police."

He said the house in Cornwall was not the man's home address.

Traffic chaos

Traffic congestion built up on Saturday evening as vehicles on the motorway were diverted to other roads.

Police are urging travellers to remain patient and think about their route while the 17-mile stretch of motorway remains closed.

The motorway closure caused long tailbacks

The motorway has been closed in both directions for a stretch between junction 16 at Wootton Bassett and junction 17 at Malmesbury, since about 0100BST on Saturday.

Diversions are in place and the AA is advising motorists to avoid the area entirely.

Saturday's match between Bristol City and Wycombe Wanderers was delayed for 30 minutes after the visiting team, and many of their fans, became caught up in the congestion.

Wiltshire police have urged motorists travelling from Cardiff to Sunday's football game against Swindon not to use the M4 motorway, but to seek alternate routes.