UPDATE: Flats evacuated after police stand-off

A block of flats in Horsham was evacuated during a stand-off between police and a man who threatened to damage the property and himself.

A young woman and a 15-month-old baby girl left the flat during the incident in New Street yesterday evening (Tuesday January 12), police said.

Officers described the incident as a ‘violent domestic dispute’.

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Emergency services including the fire service and police were called to the area at 6.15pm.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “A man refused to come out of the flat and was making threats to damage the flat and to harm himself.”

The flats were evacuated as a precaution and officers closed the road.

The 21-year-old woman sustained facial injuries but was not seriously hurt, police said.

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Police negotiators spoke to the man and officers entered the flats at 8.50pm.

There was slight fire damage to the inside of the flat door.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The incident was safely resolved after patient police negotiation.

“We were grateful to the residents of the flats for their understanding and co-operation during what must have been a disruptive and upsetting experience for them.”

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A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, affray and causing actual bodily harm.

He was not injured during the incident and is in custody for interview and further enquiries.

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