A 41 year old man remains in custody following the safe resolution to yesterday’s siege incident in Port Sorell.

Detective Inspector Kim Steven said that the man was safely taken into custody outside the residence about 9.50pm ending the 12 hour siege. The man and three specialist police officers received minor injuries in the incident. The man was taken to the North-West Regional Hospital for medical assessment.

“Our priority at all times was public safety, the safety of the man involved and the safety of our officers in achieving a safe resolution to the matter,” Detective Inspector Steven said.

Detective Inspector Steven said that police were called to the Blackwood Court address about 10.15am yesterday following a report that an armed man had barricaded himself inside the residence.

Police spent 12 hours negotiating with him before successfully resolving the incident through use of specialist tactical resources.

There were no other occupants inside the residence.

“It was always our intention to resolve the situation peacefully and we were committed to using a range of strategies and resources to manage a safe resolution,” Detective Inspector Steven said.

Police would like to thank the Port Sorell community for their patience and understanding over the course of the incident.

“Police would like to thank local residents who assisted us by evacuating their residences as a precaution and being supportive of our efforts to resolve the incident,” Detective Inspector Steven said.

“This was a difficult situation for all involved, especially the residents and the attending emergency services and it’s testament to excellent police work that a safe resolution to the incident was achieved.”

Police investigations into the incident are continuing.