Armed Police engaged in a six-hour standoff with a wanted man who barricaded himself inside a house with his girlfriend while believed to have a gun.

The suspect > who was being sought in connection with a firearm incident two weeks earlier eventually exited the residence St. George's with his hands up in surrender.

No-one was hurt in the incident on Saturday and no shots were fired.

However, widespread disruption was caused to the usually-quiet Hidden Valley neighbourhood, with roads cordoned off and some residents evacuated from their homes.

According to Opposition Leader Kim Swan, who lives locally "The incident sent chills down the spines of many, and should serve notice to Bermuda that the impact of the gun culture can spill over in any neighbourhood without warning."

The Royal Gazette understands that the 21-year-old Pembroke man locked himself inside the house after members of the Serious Crime Unit arrived to arrest him on a warrant at around 1.15 p.m.

His parents were called to the scene during the negotiations, which saw a megaphone used to communicate with him inside the house.

The incident culminated with officers on the first floor balcony of the house pointing guns inside before the man came out with his hands on his head.

Two armed officers then advanced into the house through the sliding doors.

Police would not confirm or deny speculation that the man was holding his 23-year-old girlfriend hostage inside the house, saying that the situation remained unclear.

They also refused to comment on why he was being sought by detectives originally, and whether he did prove to have a gun. Both the man and his girlfriend, who is from St. George's, were taken into custody after the crisis ended peacefully around 7.15 pm.

Inspector Calvin Smith subsequently told news reporters that events unfolded while officers from the Serious Crime Unit were conducting inquiries in connection with "a serious ongoing investigation".

When it emerged that the man inside the house may be armed, the Police cordoned off the area and conducted negotiations. A large crowd of onlookers gathered to watch with a growing sense of anger and frustration as the hours ticked by and rain poured down.

One man who lives nearby remarked to The Royal Gazette: "It's ridiculous. He needs a good cut a**. He's got an innocent girl in there. This is a quiet neighbourhood. No-one would have thought this would have happened. I feel sorry for his Momma."

A woman who also lives in the neighbourhood said the first thing she knew of the drama was when she saw Police standing outside the house with their guns pointing inside.

Speaking after several hours had elapsed with no resolution, she remarked>"This is a nice neighbourhood. It's terrible.

"This has gone on too long but they won't go in and get him because he's got a hostage."

The woman praised the Police for the way they handled the situation and escorted local residents around to ensure their safety. "They walked one old lady down the road with her groceries. They have been excellent."

However, another man complained "There's a 90-year-old couple outside in their car and they can't get to their house because of this."

Opposition Leader Kim Swan said last nigh"As the MP for this community and one who lives nearby to this crime scene, I share the concern of my constituents and friends who endured the suspense on Saturday. Hidden Valley is a quiet residential community off Suffering Lane in St. George's.

"Residents were stunned by the event which brought scores of armed Police officers to swoop on this neighbourhood. Many could not return to or leave their homes, and some were evacuated. That is a scary scene becoming commonplace in Bermuda. Area residents are relieved that no shots were fired and that the Police were able to apprehend their man."

Mr. Swan praised the Police officers who worked through the afternoon and evening to resolve the situation safely.

The St. George's standoff was the fifth gun-related incident in Bermuda in the space of a week, and came just a day after a top Police officer warned of his fear that something similar might happen soon.

Gunshots rang out at Southampton Rangers Club Friday morning and in Warwick and Sandys earlier in the week. Two men were also arrested on charges of possessing an imitation firearm.

Superintendent Paul Wright said at a press conference held on Friday to highlight Police concerns: "We've had 35 firearms reports this year, 22 of which have been confirmed.

"It's a worrying trend. We are very concerned that in light of recent incidents, one of our officers may be challenged by an individual brandishing an imitation firearm or a real firearm.

"The Police officer cannot be expected to be able to differentiate if the firearm is real or fake."