Chaos has broken out in Sheffield today as a "man with weapons" has started negotiations with armed police. Residents were ordered to leave a building in the building in Broad Street amid concerns the man posed a risk to himself. Officers were called to the property at about 7pm on Monday following reports he was in possession of weapons. Police said the building was evacuated and residents in nearby buildings were asked to stay indoors while officers carried out investigations. Some 100 emergency service crew are understood to have been at the scene.
Some of the residents from the building ended up being holed up at the Ponds Forge International Sports centre with university students staying at the Pinnacles accommodation building nearby. There were widespread road closures as the chaos unfolded. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Road closures continue to be in place as emergency services remain on scene at an on-going incident in Sheffield. Last night (Monday 10 February) just after 7pm we responded to concerns for a man inside a property on Broad Street. The man is alleged to be in possession of weapons and pose a risk to himself.
"The Sheffield Parkway between Park Square roundabout and Derek Dooley Way remains closed in both directions while specialist officers continue to negotiate with the man. To increase the safety of those living nearby, surrounding properties have been evacuated, and affected residents are being cared for at Ponds Forge by Sheffield City Council. "We understand the disruption and impact this incident is having on our communities, those affected by the evacuation, roads closures and those concerned for loved ones in the area. Our aim is to bring the incident to a close safely and get everyone and their families back to their homes as soon as possible.
