A burglar who threw tiles at police during a six-hour rooftop siege and made threats with a knife has been locked up.

Tyler McPherson was sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Preston Crown Court on Friday (October 21) after pleading guilty to offences including burglary, vehicle interference, public nuisance and possession of a bladed article.

On November 23, 2021, police received a report of an attempted burglary and two vehicle interferences on Cartmell Road, Lytham St Annes, in which attempts had been made to enter two cars parked on a driveway, with the offender trying to open locked patio doors of the same property.

On the same day, the same offender targeted a property on Riley Avenue, entering through a window, and stealing mobile phones, a laptop, money and cigarettes, as well as curtains and a foot warmer from a vehicle on the driveway.

Attempts were also made to enter two vehicles on the driveway of a neighbouring property.

Following CCTV enquiries, McPherson, of St Andrew’s Road South, St Annes, was identified, arrested and charged on December 8.

He was later released on an electronic curfew, with signing-on conditions, by the court. However, officers found McPherson had breached his curfew and signing on conditions, after he was found leaving a property in St Helier’s Road, Blackpool.

He climbed onto the roofs of outdoor buildings, ripping up tiles and wood, and throwing items at officers.

A siege of more than six hours began in the early hours of April 23, with the fire service, ambulance service and police officers and negotiators involved.

During the siege, further tiles were thrown, with attempts made to set fire to pieces of wood and other material. McPherson also threatened himself and others with a knife.

Eventually, he gave up and was arrested and charged with affray, criminal damage, public nuisance and possession of a bladed article.

PC Gareth Evans, of Blackpool Police’s Targeted Crime Team, said: “Burglary is a horrible and intrusive crime that often leaves victims feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes.

"It is therefore only right that we use all of our policing powers to deal with those individuals who invade the homes of others and steal their property.

“McPherson targeted several properties on neighbouring roads, stealing a range of items, including curtains and a footwarmer. He was prolific and brazen, making no attempt to hide his offending.

“I have no doubt McPherson would have committed further crimes and a custodial sentence is reflective of the gravity of his actions.”