Armed police and the fire brigade were called to Stonegate Street in King's Lynn on Friday night. Picture; Matthew Usher.

Armed police tonight surrounded a block of flats in King’s Lynn during a stand-off, after a man reported he had locked himself in a home where gas was leaking.

Emergency services, including Norfolk police and firefighters, were called to the home in Stonegate Street at about 6.20pm.

The man initially refused to leave the address and trained police negotiators and armed officers attended the scene as a matter of precaution.

The 24-year-old man left the property at around 8.50pm when he was subsequently arrested. Police said he is currently in police custody awaiting questioning.

The surrounding flats were evacuated while the stand-off continued.

A police spokeswoman said: “During the incident the decision was made to evacuate a large number of neighbouring properties to ensure the safety of local residents while the leak was investigated.

“The source has now been identified and made safe by the National Grid and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

“Norfolk Constabulary would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their patience and assistance in this matter.”