Man arrested after petrol threat

Officers cordoned off the semi-detached house in Trevethin

A man has been arrested after he poured petrol around a house, then remained inside as a police negotiator tried to persuade him to leave.

More than 30 police officers attended the incident at a property in Trevethin, Pontypool, Torfaen.

They were called at 1235 GMT and finally entered the house at 0430 GMT.

The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life and attempted grievous bodily harm. He remains in police custody.

Gwent Police said he had been the only person in the property after the woman left and called the emergency services.

Officers cordoned off the semi-detached house in Caerwent Road and the gas and electric supplies were turned off.

The adjoining house was evacuated as a safety precaution and the fire and ambulance service were also called to the scene.

Safety concerns

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said a police negotiator was at the scene, talking to the man when he was outside the property.

She said officers were "seriously concerned for his safety".

She added the woman who called them was not injured and is now in the care of officers.

Inspector Mark Budden said: "I would like to reassure the community that this incident only involved those people who were at the address and didn't involve any other party, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

"The emergency services worked together to ensure the safety of all involved and those living nearby. The incident was brought to a safe conclusion with no-one being injured."