Man arrested after hoax call results in armed siege

A man has been arrested after a hoax call led to a three-hour armed siege at a house.

Police received a call at around 6.20am from a man claiming another man was armed with a gun and threatening to shoot the occupants of a flat in Forth Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Coventry.

Armed officers were sent to the scene immediately and the area around the tower block was sealed off.

Just after 9am, a man came out of the property and was searched by officers. A woman who was also present was spoken to by police.

Officers said it became apparent that the pair were unaware of the hoax call and no weapons were found at the property.

The call was traced to an address near Allesley Park, where a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time.

Inspector Gregg Richards, from Solihull police, said: "Hoax calls are highly irresponsible and can cost lives.

"Fortunately, the incident had a safe outcome but things could have had deadly consequences for the man."

The man remains in police custody and the motive for the call is unknown, West Midlands Police said.

PA