NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock at witnessing an armed siege involving a mother and son.

More than a dozen police officers were called to an address in Turner Avenue, Gosport, yesterday morning after reports that a man had taken his mother hostage in her home.

Dog handlers and armed police were called in while officers cordoned off much of the road, preventing residents from leaving their homes.

The stand-off between the man, who was thought to have been brandishing a hammer and an axe, and police lasted for three hours before trained negotiators were allowed inside the house.

The suspect was then led peacefully out of the house at midday wearing a baseball cap to hide his face.

Police confirmed that a man in his mid 30s had been arrested and that inquiries would be made to determine his mental state.

Insp James Fulton of Gosport police said: "We currently have a male in custody and we are establishing what criminal charges he will face. It is likely a mental assessment will take place to help us with that but at the moment our inquiries are continuing along a criminal investigation line.

"We can confirm the man is linked with the property and that some household items were removed by officers."

Meanwhile, neighbours of the family have spoken of their shock at witnessing the siege in the quiet Gosport cul-de-sac.

Lyn Webb, 37, said: "It was surreal to be honest with you. All of a sudden police were everywhere, the road was sealed off and there were police with guns.

"I was told there was a man who had taken his mother hostage in the house and eventually he was talked out by the police officers.

"He was led away quite calmly and it all ended. It's not the sort of thing you expect to see. I couldn't believe it was all going on in front of me."

Neighbour Kevin Ross, 37, said: "We were told basically to stay where we were so we just watched it all. It is shocking but you hear about these sorts of things happening more and more now."

Insp Fulton also praised the way his officers had conducted the operation. "I think credit has to go to the way the operation was handled," he said. "The officers ensured there was a peaceful outcome to the incident, and that it was brought to a swift and successful conclusion."