Shaw Siege: Householders evacuated during middle of the night

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HOUSES around Pemberton Way were evacuated at around 6.30am after the man broke in to a mid-terrace property and took a woman and two young children hostage.

Dozens of police officers were surrounding the property, which had a smashed first-floor window clearly visible at the rear, with a brown duvet or sleeping bag stuffed into the hole.

It is understood the disturbance began at around 12.30am, but emergency services were called shortly before 3.15am. The Commercial Inn pub, in nearby Smallbrook Road, opened its doors and took in dozens of residents who had been evacuated since the early hours.

Gas
There were two National Grid vans and one large truck in attendance, as well as one Electricity North West vehicle after reports of a suspected gas leak. The gas was isolated to between 40 to 50 homes.

Crews from Chadderton and Oldham fire stations were also called to help at the scene which was cordoned off by police.

Staff at the Commercial Inn pub and nearby Café Mandel kindly offered residents free food and warm drinks throughout the day.

Some were still wearing pyjamas and dressing gowns as they waited to be allowed back home. A handful said they needed to get back in to obtain some important medication.

Residents who live within the cordon, but not the immediate area, were being allowed access in and out of their homes.

A Salvation Army truck arrived on the scene around mid morning to offer food and hot drinks.

Major Nigel Lansley, response coordinator based in Shaw, said he was contacted by a member of the clergy from St James Church in Shaw and brought a team and truck from Chadderton.

He said: "We're providing very basic food to those responding to the incident. They can relax here at our van whereas up there there's a bit of tension. This helps them to be more mentally ready to respond if something happens up there."