South Belfast Stand-Off Ends

An armed police response has been accused of being an over-reaction to a six-hour siege at a south Belfast home this morning.

Officers surrounded the house - being occupied by two brothers, who have now been arrested - on Powerscourt Place, off the Ormeau Road, following reports of gun fire.

The two men have since left the premises, prompting relatives to described the PSNI's handling of the incident as an 'over-reaction'.

It was reported a number of shots had been fired at police, and nearby cars, during the stand-off.

A PSNI spokeswoman initially described the situation as a firearms incident, despite local reports one of the assailants was wielding an air rifle.

The entire scene was cordoned off and resident living in the area had been told to stay indoors.

Automatic weapons were trained on the house, as police negotiators attempted to defuse the situation, which began shortly before 5am this morning.

It is believed the people inside the barricaded Housing Executive home recently received an eviction notice.

A local priest was involved in trying to persuade the men, who were waving a tricolour, to leave the house.

Police this afternoon said the operation's main focus was to protect the entire community.

(PR/JM)