'Chainsaw' siege ends

The siege of a house in Oldham in which a man believed to be armed with a chainsaw barricaded himself in has ended.

Armed police officers surrounded the house in Farm Street at 1500 BST on Thursday.

The area was cordoned off and several nearby buildings were evacuated when an injured woman who claimed she had been in the house overnight raised the alarm.

At 1140 BST on Friday officers entered the building and took the man, in his 30s, into police custody.

She ran around saying 'Help me', she was covered in blood

Eyewitness

There were no more injuries.

Superintendent Keith Bentley from Greater Manchester Police said: "The house has now been sealed off and forensic teams are working at the scene.

"Throughout this incident our priority has been to ensure the safety of the public, Greater Manchester Police officers, and the man himself.

"It could have been a very different outcome and I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the local community who have been inconvenienced during this incident."

Objects thrown

The woman who called the emergency services on Thursday was treated for several cuts and bruises to her body.

One eyewitness said: "She ran around saying 'Help me', she was covered in blood.

"She said she had seen him come to the door once or twice with a saw or something in his hand."

A police four-wheel drive vehicle was parked opposite the house with the force's negotiator standing close by, protected by a shield.

Gas supply

At one point, the man, who police said had taken medication and alcohol, emerged from the house and threw an object at officers.

He also threw a plank of wood from the top floor aimed at the police below.

One report said the man had threatened to turn on the gas and blow up the house, but Transco Gas was called out to switch off the supply.

Local residents have been allowed to return to their homes.