Man charged after armed officers called to town

A man has been charged following a siege in Southwell which saw schools locked down.

Nottinghamshire Police said armed officers attended an address in Queen Street shortly before 12:00 GMT on Friday after concerns for a man's safety and reports of damage being caused at the address.

Officers said they spent the next few hours safely resolving the situation while the area remained cordoned off.

The force said Michael Wade, of Queen Street, Southwell, had been charged with affray and criminal damage.

The 50-year-old was due to appear before Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, police said.

Ch Insp Clive Collings said: "We appreciate this incident caused alarm within the local community, so I would like to thank those affected for their patience as this siege was brought to a safe conclusion.

"Locals will notice an increased officer presence in the area for the purpose of reassurance.

"However, this was an isolated incident which is now entirely resolved."

The force said four schools went into precautionary lockdowns while police ensured the area was safe.

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