Scores of armed police have descended on a block of flats, surrounding the area and urging people to keep their distance. The unfolding incident, which has been ongoing since around 9am today, is happening in the town of St Helens, in Merseyside. 

Officers have arrived at a residential area in Liverpool Road, where reports were made that a man has been making threats and “hanging out of a window with a knife.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO: “We can confirm officers are currently at a flat on Liverpool Road in St Helens.

“Officers were contacted at 9.05am today, Tuesday 2 July, following reports that a man at the property had made threats. The scene has been cordoned off and a police negotiator is in attendance and attempting to speak with the man.

“We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their patience at this time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area while the incident is being dealt with.”

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