Bournemouth flats evacuated by police as man 'endangers lives'

Multiple police rushed to flats in Frost Road in Bournemouth at around 4pm on Wednesday (August 16) along with the fire service.

Residents were ordered to evacuate the blocks for their safety as officers negotiated with the man. 

A cordon was set up and a road closure was put in place as emergency services dealt with the situation. 

Police in Frost Road, West Howe (Image: Daily Echo)

Fire crews used thermal imaging kit having received reports of a blaze inside the building, however, none were detected. 

Residents say a man had been ‘screaming all day and throwing things out of the window’ during a stand-off with armed police.

Police later arrested a man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life - he remains in police custody at the time of writing.

Kaitlin Louise, who was evacuated for around an hour, said: “Police kept turning up and at one point there were three armed police cars here with officers who came out with guns. 

“There were others who went to break through the door and ran into the flat. 

“Everybody in the flats around, probably five buildings, were told to evacuate the flats and it was quite chaotic. 

“You could tell the police were very worried and they told everybody outside to stay away by 200m and that those in houses should stay inside.” 

“A road closure was put in place, police tape was put up around the building, a fire engine turned up and two were blocking the entrances to Frost Road. 

“They then took a man out and he was wearing just tracksuit bottoms, no shoes or t-shirt.” 

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Dorset Police received a report at 3.46pm on Wednesday 16 August 2023 that a man was seen with a knife concealed in his trousers outside an address in Frost Road in Bournemouth.

“The man subsequently went inside and there were reports of fires at the property.

“Officers attended and made efforts to engage with the man. A number of residents were evacuated for their safety. No one was injured during the incident.

“A man aged in his 20s from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody.”

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “One fire engine from Redhill Park attended along with an officer and on arrival, firefighters were requested to check a property with a thermal imaging camera for signs of fire.  

“No fire was found and the stop message came back at 6.36pm. They left the incident shortly after.”