Negotiations go on at siege house

Negotiators have been talking to the man since Friday afternoon

Armed police are continuing to surround a house in Wigan where a man is thought to be armed.

Negotiators have been talking to the man since police were alerted on Friday afternoon.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police responded after receiving reports a man was refusing to leave the property in Hereford Road, Hindley.

A second person is also believed to be in the house, the area around which has been sealed off by police.

Residents from several nearby properties have been evacuated and have been staying with friends and family.

Alan and Lesley Clarke and their three children, who live in Hereford Road, were due to emigrate to Turkey.

Speaking about the incident, Mr Clarke said: "We've been asked to leave our property, so we're just trying to find out when we can get back in.

It's a bit scary when it's on your doorstep Emma Lee

"We're a bit devastated really, we've took our suitcase with our party clothes for today, but tomorrow is when all the action starts. We've just got to hope we can get back in."

Other neighbours, who were not identified, said: "It's not really the norm, having men in black gear, walking about, is it? Look at them. Are they snipers or something?

"I came this way last night and I just went back. I thought 'I don't want to get involved' you know.

"I can't believe that one man can cause all this expense and upset for everybody."

Another resident, Emma Lee, said: "All we saw were armed guards and big riot vans. It's a bit scary when it's on your doorstep."