A NINE hour siege on a Chester housing estate ended peacefully last night.

Armed police had the house in Brentwood Road, Blacon, under surveillance all day yesterday (Monday, March 3) after a crossbow was fired at a van and the alleged perpetrator and three other men remained holed-up inside.

But at 7.20pm last night the four men left the premises without incident after police negotiators talked them out. One man was arrested and remains in custody. Police investigations are continuing.

The drama began at 9am on Monday when an argument is believed to have taken place outside the address in Brentwood Road, Blacon, involving two groups of men.

The conflict is thought to have taken place between occupants of the house and a number of unidentified men in a blue van.

During the commotion a crossbow was produced and fired at the males in the blue van, which subsequently drove from the scene.

There were no reports of any injuries although the van’s windscreen may have been damaged.

When police arrived, the occupants of the house refused to leave when asked to do so.

Police officers cordoned off parts of Brentwood Road and the adjoining Stamford Road while negotiators talked to the people in the house in an attempt to persuade them to leave the property voluntarily.

Residents already in their homes remained inside but those approaching the police tapes were turned back. However, they were able to take shelter in a nearby community centre. The cordon was lifted shortly before 8pm.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.