Cromer stand off: Armed cops swarm Norfolk church as man with knife inside

Armed police swarmed a church in a quiet seaside town in Norfolk after reports of a man wielding a knife inside.

Police blocked off the path opposite the church, which was restored after the original was washed away in 1399, as of 10.30am this morning.

One man in his 30s, who had been inside the church since yesterday afternoon (Thursday, September 26), has been arrested.

Officers entered the church shortly after 5:30pm today, Friday September 27 2024.

A 12-inch machete and a flagpole, which had been sharpened to resemble a spear, have been recovered from inside the church.

The man was not injured and is now receiving the appropriate medical care and attention.

Several police resources, including firearms officers and trained negotiators, were deployed to the scene and there is no wider threat to the public, according to the force.

"Chief Inspector Nick Paling said: "We would like to thank the public for their patience and assistance as we did our very best to manage this incident as safely and as quickly as possible. I'm pleased this has now ended; and the man is being looked after by medical professionals."

"Officers were called just before 4pm yesterday (Thursday 26 September) following concerns for the safety of a man, aged in his 30s, who appeared distressed and had locked himself inside the church in Cromer Road. Police believed he was carrying a knife.

"A 12-inch machete and a flagpole, which had been sharpened to resemble a spear, have since been recovered from inside the church.

"Several police resources, including firearms officers and trained negotiators, were deployed to the scene, and joined by emergency service colleagues.

"The church was contained by police while the incident was ongoing, and there was not any wider threat to the public."

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