Matthew John Riley in hospital under police guard after Keith Moses Crescent West Kempsey siege

A man has faced court after two hostages were injured during a 12-hour standoff on the Mid-North Coast. Get the latest.

Kempsey police were assisted by specialist officers during the standoff. (File picture: Janine Watson)

A man has been charged after a 12-hour siege on the Mid-North Coast.

About 2am on Sunday, emergency services responded to reports that a man armed with a machete was holding two people against their will at a home on Keith Moses Crescent, West Kempsey.

Officers from Mid North Coast Police District secured a perimeter and called in specialist police, including police negotiators and the tactical operations unit.

Heavily armed police during the standoff in West Kempsey. Picture: NBN

Shortly after 2pm, officers forced entry to the premises and used a number of “tactical options” to take 34-year-old Matthew John Riley into custody, including the use of a Taser.

The two people inside the home – a man and a woman aged in their 50s – suffered minor injuries.

Police believe the people are known to each other.

Heavily armed police during the standoff in West Kempsey on Sunday, December 15. Picture: NBN

Riley was taken to Kempsey District Hospital and on Monday was charged with eight offences including two counts of detaining a person with intent to cause actual bodily harm and two counts of reckless wounding.

He has also been charged with three counts of using an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.

Riley made no application for bail and it was formally refused in Kempsey Local Court on Monday afternoon.

His case has been adjourned to February 21.

Got a news tip? Email: [e-mail]