Two in custody after ‘tactical resolution’ used to bring Launceston siege to an end

Fears a woman’s life was in danger prompted armed police to storm a house in the Launceston suburb of Trevallyn, ending a 16-hour siege.

Siege in Launceston suburb of Trevallyn involving Tasmania Police. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

FEARS a woman’s life was in danger prompted armed police to storm a house in the Launceston suburb of Trevallyn, ending a 16-hour siege.

Commander Brett Smith said police negotiators had hoped to resolve the situation peacefully but had decided to use a “tactical resolution” because they feared life of a woman inside was in danger.

Residents heard a loud bang before officers went into the house and took a 24-year-old man and the 40-year-old woman into police custody.

The incident, in New World Avenue, started at 4pm on Friday when police went to the address after reports of someone jumping from garden to garden.

When they arrived a number of shots were fired from the residence in the direction of police.

There were 35 police officers deployed to the scene and up to 40 shots were fired from the house during the ordeal.

Tasmania Police outside the house. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

Police said it was a significant incident. The Mercury understands it was the first time Tasmania Police officers have stormed a house where an armed offender was inside since Martin Bryant’s arrest at Seascape Cottage at Port Arthur.

New World Avenue resident Karen Deavin said she heard loud noises about 10am today and then learned via a text from a friend the incident was over.

Police went to the same street on Tuesday after a woman was shot in the leg.

Police would not say if that wounding and the siege were connected.

“It sounds like a situation of some kind has been brewing for a while,” Mrs Deavin said.

“It is certainly not something you expect in a street like this which is mostly home to retirees.”

Mrs Deavin, who lives about 15 houses away from scene of the siege, was not allowed to go home after work on Friday. Other residents were evacuated.

At 11pm, police decided she would be safe that far away from the situation and she could return to her house.

“We were starting to worry how the situation would end and are relieved it is now over,” Mrs Deavin said.

Commander Brett Smith commended the police officers who stormed the house to bring the siege to an end and thanked residents for their patience. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

Commander Brett Smith said today the pair were taken into custody safely about 9.50am

Commander Smith said the “tactical resolution” was employed after the situation quickly escalated and negotiations with the man inside broke down.

Police said the man had resisted being taken into custody but no shots had been fired by him or any of the officers who stormed the residence.

“It was always our intention to resolve the situation peacefully and we were committed to using a range of strategies and resources to manage a peaceful resolution. However there came a point where police were of the strong view that the woman’s life was in imminent danger,” he said.

“As a consequence, we employed a tactical resolution whereby police risked their lives to save the life of another and they should be commended for their courage and actions.

“Any one of the officers involved could have been shot.”

Police also thanked the Trevallyn community for their patience and understanding over the course of the incident.

“Police would like to thank local residents who assisted us by evacuating their residences,” Commander Smith said.

“This was a difficult situation for all involved, especially the residents and the attending emergency services. The residents can be reassured that their suburb will be returned to normality shortly.”