By Rowan Forster
A dramatic siege has unfolded in Berwick with a man barricading himself inside a Bellevue Drive property, brandishing a pellet gun.
Centre Road was cordoned off just before 8pm on Thursday night as specialist police swarmed the area.
The Bomb Response Unit was subsequently called, when officers located a suspicious device at the premises.
After about two hours, the stand-off was peacefully resolved, with police arresting a 34-year-old.
He was taken to Casey Hospital for assessment.
According to neighbours, between 20 and 30 emergency service vehicles – including heavily armed law enforcement – filled the surrounding streets.
Due to the sensitivity of the situation, rank and file officers were advised to stand-by at Narre Warren Police Station and avoid responding directly to the scene.
All emergency services arrived using a silent approach, to avoid startling the perpetrator.
A Bellevue Drive resident told Star News she heard loud screaming and commotion in the lead up to the siege.
“It was obvious something was very wrong,” she said.
“It wasn’t until we walked outside that we saw all of the police – they completely filled the street.
“We didn’t even hear them arrive over the television.”
She praised police for achieving a calm resolution to the incident.
