A man has threatened to set fire to a house after barricading himself inside with petrol containers, according to Norfolk Police. Officers were called to the property on Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, shortly after 11.30am on Wednesday, and emergency services remained at the scene for nearly 12 hours after the man made threats when attempts were made to evict him.
Police response and evacuation
A police spokesperson said: "When officers arrived on scene, the man was locked inside his address, refused to leave and said he had petrol containers in the property, which he would set fire to if anyone entered."
Hopton Primary Academy and nearby homes were evacuated as a result of the threat, and a cordon was put in place. Officers and specialist negotiators have been trying to coax the man out and calm the situation down.
Residents displaced and school closure
In an update issued by Norfolk Police at around 9.30pm, the force said most neighbours had returned to their homes, apart from two households which "remain displaced". Police said the primary school will remain closed on Thursday as a precaution.
The spokesperson added: "Specialist resources, including negotiators, continue to liaise with the man and Coast Road remains closed at this time. We would ask the public to avoid the area and follow the advice of officers and emergency services on scene. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents and will provide further updates when appropriate."
