Negotiator tasked as armed police deployed for ‘siege’ in Faringdon

UPDATE: Gun-wielding suspect, 23, arrested after incident in Faringdon

A negotiator has been tasked as armed police are deployed for a ‘siege’ in Faringdon.

Significant numbers of emergency services are attending the incident in Goodbody Close, near Folly View Primary School, this morning (Thursday).

Authorised firearms officers carrying rifles, shields and wearing ballistic helmets are in attendance. A specially-trained negotiator is also present.

A Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer (CTSFO) is at the scene, but he is not wearing any ballistic kit or carrying any weapons.

At least 22 police vehicles are at the incident, alongside four Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) ambulances from South Central Ambulance Service.

It’s not clear how long the incident has been ongoing, but in a statement early this morning, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said:

“We are currently dealing with an incident at an address in Goodbody Close, Faringdon.

“There is no threat to the wider public but please avoid the area while we handle the incident.”

Adding: “We will update when we can.”