Man arrested after UK 'hostage' incident shown live on Facebook

A man has been arrested following a “hostage” negotiation that was broadcast live on Facebook and watched more than 60,000 times.

Armed officers were shown smashing in the front door of a terrace house and rescuing a woman in the footage that was shared more than 1,000 times online.

South Yorkshire police said a 42-year-old man was arrested following the siege in Spalton Road, Rotherham, on Monday night. A 42-year-old woman suffered injuries to her hands in the alleged hostage situation, the force said.

In the footage, filmed by a neighbour, armed police can be heard shouting in the terraced street for the man inside the house to come out.

One officer shouts: “You there, come to the door. I want you to come to the front door with your arms up and you will come to no harm.

“If you don’t do what we say, we are armed police officers and we will respond to whatever you do. So don’t do anything silly. Do you understand?”

The officer adds: “If you make any attempt to endanger life, we will shoot to stop you.” The man inside responds: “OK.”

Some time later, the officers smash in the front door and a woman is encouraged to come out before she is led away. About 20 minutes later, a man is brought out in handcuffs by an officer wearing full protective body armour and handed over to uniformed police before he is driven away.

In a statement, South Yorkshire police said: “Officers attended a property on Spalton Road in the Parkgate area of Rotherham at around 7pm last night following reports a woman was injured and being held against her will at the address.

“Police negotiators were also in attendance and the 42-year-old woman exited the property at approximately 8.30pm with injuries to her hands.

“A 42-year-old man was arrested shortly before 9pm on suspicion of assault and false imprisonment and is currently in police custody.”