A Blackwood man has appeared in court following a police siege at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Armed police were called to the Park View project on Highbury Drive, Blackwood, on Thursday, February 6, after reports that two people were being threatened with a knife.

Gwent Police was called to the scene at around 2.40pm with the siege finishing at around 4pm.

Residents living nearby told the South Wales Argus they saw officers with guns and riot gear.

Keith Smallman told the newspaper: “I went out to ask what was happening and they told me to stay indoors until it was over.

“We’d seen the staff being evacuated down the hill, but you thought they’d have told us too.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “Armed officers were called to an address on Highbury Drive, at 2.40pm on Thursday, February 6 after it was reported that two people were being threatened with a knife.

“A 32-year-old Blackwood man was arrested on suspicion of affray. No-one was injured.”

She added: “Officers would like to take this opportunity to thank local residents for their co-operation during the incident. This assisted officers in their swift response to ensure the safety of all involved.”

The Park View project was opened at Highbury House ten years ago despite strong local opposition.

• Robert Evan Hodson, 32, of Skenffrith Close, appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 8, charged with affray.

He was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before magistrates again on March 6.