Newcastle siege: Armed police surround to house

• Armed police surrounded house in Newcastle negotiating with man inside
• Neighbours say man locked himself inside and has a gun
• Officers had an armoured truck and police dogs with ambulance on standby 
• Siege on Christo Road in West Waratah has been going on since 11am

By Nic White For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 04:55 GMT, 5 January 2018 | Updated: 04:59 GMT, 5 January 2018

Armed police in an armoured vehicle have surrounded a house in Newcastle in a siege lasting more than four hours so far.

At least 15 police officers stood outside the house in West Waratah with guns drawn, blocking off Morpeth and Christo roads since 11am.

Officers shouted at people inside through a megaphone while a ‘BearCat’ amoured personnel carrier sat in the driveway on Christo Road.

Armed police in an armoured vehicle have surrounded a house in Newcastle in a siege lasting more than four hours so far

Neighbours said officers told them a man locked himself inside with a gun and they we ‘were safest inside’, according to the Newcastle Herald.

Another resident said police were yelling ‘come out the front door with your hands behind your head and we guarantee your safety’.

Police dogs were also on the scene and an ambulance on standby.

Residents were told to stay inside during the siege and others to avoid the area, though police would not reveal any details about what was going on.

‘Newcastle City Police are conducting an operation near Morpeth Rd and Christo Rd, Waratah West. Road closures in place. Please avoid this area,’ police said.

At least 15 police officers stood outside the house in West Waratah with guns drawn, blocking off Morpeth and Christo roads since 11am 

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