Man arrested after standoff with police in Ellesmere Port

A man was arrested after a six-and-a-half hour standoff with armed police in Ellesmere Port on March 17. Police responded to concerns for his welfare around 9:40 AM, leading to a large emergency services presence. Negotiators communicated with the man during the standoff. He exited the vehicle around 4 PM, where he was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to cause harm and possession of an offensive weapon. The Portal building was closed to the public during the incident. The man is currently in custody, and police have checked the vehicle involved.