A MAN has been arrested after a stand off with police in Blacon lasting more than five hours.

This morning, police were called to Malvern Road after there were concerns for the safety of a man.

The man remained in a house while police evacuated the immidiate area and set up a corodon.

But at 4.19pm, police tweeted that the man had come out of the address and has been arrested on suspicion of affray.

Chester Police thanked residents for their patience and said officers will remain in the area for reassurance.

Previously, local residents and gas company workers are sitting on the grass and park benches in the sunshine to watch as the drama unfolded.

Chester Police tweeted at about 10.45am that officers are attending an ongoing incident in Blacon and that Blacon hall Road and Malvern Road had been temporarily closed.

The public were urged to avoid the area and nearby homes have been evacuated.

A fire engine, several police cars and a gas company van were within the cordon at the scene.

Chester and District Standard:

Police at the scene

At the time, a spokesman said: "Police are currently responding to a concern for the safety of a man at an address on Malvern Road in Blacon.

"Officers are at the scene engaging with him and a road closure has been put in place as a precaution."