A man who barricaded himself in a Stretford house with a crossbow is in police custody.

The 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of affray and threats to kill.

Police and social workers were first called to the address on North Lonsdale Street, in the Gorse Hill area, at around 8.30pm last night, after concerns were raised for the occupant.

The vulnerable male then threatened the police with the weapon and a standoff ensued, which continued until this afternoon.

Police negotiators were able to make contact with the man and bring him out safely.

Armed police were stationed outside the house for several hours.

Superintendent Simon Retford said: "First and foremost I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding. “This was an incident which required a highly sensitive response and it is inevitable that took some time. “The man in question will get all of the support he needs and we continue to work with our partners to progress this.”