A MAN has been arrested after a stand off at a flat in St Helens that lasted for seven hours.

Armed police were called to flats near to Liverpool Road, Greenbank and Glover Street shortly after 9am.

The marksmen were sent after reports a man at the properties - which faces the West Point retail park - was making threats.

A police negotiator was also called in.

Throughout the day witnesses alleged a man could be seen hanging out of a window with a knife.

Police have attended the area todayPolice have attended the area today (Image: Public)

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A police cordon in the areaA police cordon in the area (Image: Public)

A large police presence was on the scene for most of the day before the disturbance came to a conclusion shortly after 4.30pm, when a suspect was placed in a police van in handcuffs.

Crowds had gathered at various points throughout the day as the drama unfolded.

In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed to the Star that a 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and affray.

He has been taken into police custody.

There appears to be a stand-off with police focusing on a man at a window of a property in the area.

Merseyside Police has confirmed a cordon has been lifted.

The force thanked residents and neighbouring business for their support and patience throughout the day.

Police vehicles are in attendance in the areaPolice vehicles are in attendance in the area (Image: Public)