A 50-minute stand-off between police and a knife wielding thug ended peacefully, police said.

Officers were called to a house in Rockcliffe Street, in the Infirmary area of Blackburn after a complaint of alleged domestic violence was made.

When police arrived the female victim had managed to leave the house, leaving the accused and his friend in the property.

When the man saw officers he barricaded himself in his home and threatened to stab anyone who entered his house with a kitchen knife.

He also threatened to harm his friend who was in the property.

A cordon was placed on either side of Rockcliffe Street and residents were encouraged to stay in their homes as the stand-off unfolded.

Officers from the police support unit, led by Sgt Louie Boyle, quickly managed to diffuse the situation and disarm the man without anyone getting injured.

Police received the initial call shortly after 9.30am. The cordon was finally removed at 10.20am.

Insp Bob Eaton of Lancashire police said: “Initially we got the call as a domestic violence incident.

“But, when we arrived a man had barricaded himself into the property and was threatening to stab any police officer that entered his home.

“However, officers quickly managed to disarm the man and defuse the situation without anyone being injured.”

  • A 22-year-old man, of Rockcliffe Street, Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, affray, section 39 assault by beating, common assault and criminal damage.