Armed police at scrapyard siege

Police have sealed off parts of the village of Llanbadarn near Aberystwyth as an armed siege continues at a local scrapyard.

Around 30 armed police officers and dog handlers are surrounding the yard where a man is believed to be carrying some sort of gun.

Eye witnesses say shots were fired over a boundary fence last night.

No-one is thought to be held hostage or to have been injured.

It is believed the siege follows a dispute between the man and neighbours.

The siege means the main road into Aberystwyth from the east - the A44 - has been closed and traffic is being diverted via Penglais Hill and Primrose Hill.

The siege begain just after 2100 BST on Monday when local people reported hearing shots being fired at the yard.

Serious situation

BBC Wales reporter John Meredith, who is at the scene, said Dyfed Powys Police were not giving any information about the incident.

"But there are armed police officers, and officers with sniffer dogs all over the place and it is obvious this is a very serious situation.

"Local people reported shorts around 2115 BST last night being fired at a building in the yard.

"The man is still inside the yard."

Dyfed Powys Police have also deployed the force helicopter from Carmarthen.

The local primary school in Llanbadarn, Cwm Padarn, has also been closed.