A MAN has been arrested after hoax call to police that a gunman was holding the occupants of a flat in Chelmsley Wood hostage and was threatening to shoot them.
The 43-year-old was arrested at an address near Allesley Park, Coventry following a three-hour siege involving dozens of police, including firearms officers.
At 6.20am on Saturday police received a call from a man claiming another man armed with a gun was in a flat in Forth Drive, Chelmsley Wood.
Armed officers were immediately dispatched and sealed-off the area surrounding the tower block.
Just after 9am a 33-year-old man inside came out of the property and was searched by officers. A 62-year old woman who was also present was spoken to.
It quickly became apparent that the pair were unaware of the hoax call which had been made to police and no weapons were found at the property.
Enquires were conducted and the mobile phone traced to an address near Allesley Park where officers arrested on suspicion of wasting police time.
Inspector Gregg Richards said: "Hoax calls are highly irresponsible and can cost lives.
"Fortunately, the incident had a safe outcome but things could have had deadly consequences for the man."
The man remains in police custody and the motive for the call is unknown.
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