Roads in the heart of Sheffield are still closed while police continue to speak with a man who is allegedly armed.
Residents have been evacuated and are spending Monday night in a local sports complex due to the ongoing situation at a block of apartments in Broad Street, which has lasted for more than twenty-four hours.
On Tuesday night, police claimed they were able to enter the building and bring the inhabitants and their pets back together. Know more about what’s happening in Sheffield.
Nonetheless, Sheffield Parkway is closed in all directions between Derek Dooley Way and Park Square roundabout, and the Gateway apartments are still evacuated.
Buses and trams have also experienced disruptions. Some commuters had to spend three hours attempting to get to work on Tuesday morning, according to the Sheffield Star.
Police were initially called to the property at approximately 7 p.m. on Monday after receiving reports of a man who was allegedly armed and putting himself in danger. Most of the 80 residents, who are college students, were told to go. Some slept overnight at the Ponds Forge Sports Centre.
Public transport, including the tram network, was affected by the shutdown, with commuters advised to plan and find an alternative route. At 10.20 p.m., South Yorkshire Police released an update in which they urged the public’s support and stated that they were still working to talk with the individual.
A spokesperson said: “This evening, officers have been able to gain access to the building and have been able to reunite all pets with their owners while our work continues.
“Those evacuated are all cared for and being accommodated with families and friends or in nearby facilities.”
“We continue to thank you for your ongoing support. We understand the disruption this incident is having in our communities, including those affected by the evacuation, road closures and those concerned for loved ones in the area.”
According to South Yorkshire Police, the individual is allegedly “a risk to himself” and is inside a residence with firearms. On Monday, the event started at about 7 p.m.
“Those evacuated are all cared for and being accommodated with families and friends or in nearby facilities,” said a police statement.
Officers added: “We aim to bring the incident to a close safely and get everyone and their families back to their homes as soon as possible.”
Following the Sheffield incident and reports of a man with suspected weapons inside a building, university students residing in the neighbouring Pinnacles housing complex were instructed to remain inside their apartments, while some locals sought shelter at the Ponds Forge sports centre.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said: “Due to a police incident trams are unable to operate towards Sheffield city centre and some bus routes are being diverted around the road closures. Trains are unaffected.”
Earlier Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett praised the locals for their cooperation in a letter.
She added: “The mutual aim is to get you back
your homes as soon as possible. In the short term, our partners are working hard to ensure you are safe and have the essentials and necessities for your well-being.
“The latest update on the incident itself is that we are currently in attendance at a residential property on Broad Street in Sheffield, where it’s believed a resident has weapons…Specialist officers are continuing to negotiate with the resident to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion.”