House siege empties road

POLICE evacuated an entire street yesterday after a man doused his yard and himself in petrol, sparking a three-hour siege.

POLICE evacuated an entire street yesterday after a man doused his yard and himself in petrol, sparking a three-hour siege.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to Warrell Street just after 2pm, where they cordoned off the area between Johnston and Hunt streets.

A police spokesperson said petrol was found on the front doorstep and in the yard of the house on arrival.

Residents were evacuated from houses on all sides of the dwelling, with a police officer telling neighbour Danica Raffaut the situation was “serious”.

“They came and said I had to evacuate the house and that I would be best to take the dogs,” she said.

“The first I knew there was a problem was when I looked out the street and there were cars everywhere. I didn’t hear any commotion next door at all.”

Police said the situation was being treated as a mental health issue.

A police negotiator was called to the scene and the man was eventually taken to Bundaberg Hospital about 5.45pm for treatment.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes after 5pm.

Originally published as House siege empties road