TWO people are in custody after a seven-hour armed siege in Ferndown.

Armed police, marked and unmarked police cars and ambulance crews attended Coppins Close, off Christchurch Road, at 4.15pm on Sunday.

Officers originally attended the address to carry out arrest inquiries in relation to an ongoing aggravated burglary investigation.

A man, armed with a knife, and a woman refused to come out of the address and a cordon was put in place to allow specialist officers to deal with the situation and to make inquiries while keeping the public safe.

At around 11.20pm a 30-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a serious assault.

A 31-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They have both been released on police bail while investigations continue.

Inspector Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said: “The incident has concluded and I would like to thank the residents of Coppins Close for their patience and understanding while officers worked at the scene.

“We had to cordon off the area in order to deal with the situation while keeping the public safe. I am aware that this took quite a few hours and I would like to thank those residents directly affected by the closure.

“I am also grateful to the ambulance service for their assistance.

“An investigation is now underway, which will be led by detectives from Bournemouth CID.”