Shaw Siege: Hostage gunman arrested, woman safe after dramatic 25-hour siege

Photo: Darren Robinson

THE scene early this morning . . . the front door of the house smashed in as police ended the siege.

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A TENSE stand-off between police and a gunman holding a mum-of-two hostage inside their Shaw home ended safely after 25 hours this morning.

Police entered the property at Pemberton Way just before 5am and released hostage Lisa Hurley before arresting gunman Marc Schofield.

Schofield had shut himself inside with Miss Hurley and two youngsters at around 3.15am yesterday but the two young boys were brought out to safety through a smashed window within three hours. The couple remained inside until the early hours of today with worried residents gathering outside in the street awaiting developments.

A police spokesman said: "Shortly after 4.50am armed police entered a property on Pemberton Way in Shaw and safely resolved the hostage situation.

"A 27-year-old woman was removed from the property without injury. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and false imprisonment. He is now in police custody for questioning. Police are now ensuring the area as safe and will shortly begin returning people to their homes."

GMP's Chief Supt John O'Hare said: "We would like to thank the local community in particular those who have had to leave their homes while we worked to resolve this situation.

"Thankfully the hostage situation was safely resolved and the woman was brought to safety and the man arrested."

More than 40 residents living in neighbouring homes had been evacuated amid fears of a possible gas explosion with firefighters and National Grid engineers scrambled to the scene.

Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, territorial commander for GMP's Oldham borough said: "I understand the massive impact this is having in the community and we are keen to minimise any disruption it may cause. There have been 44 properties evacuated and I would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation."

Help and information for residents evacuated due to the incident was available at the Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre, which remained open until 9pm last night.

Residents were then told to contact the Homelessness Service if they did not have anywhere to stay.