A tense, five-hour siege in Warwick ended peacefully after a suspect who had barricaded himself into a home eventually gave himself up.

Armed police and a police crisis negotiator were called to the Rockland Crescent area shortly after 11am yesterday, following reports that a burglary was taking place.

Police arrested three men at the scene but a fourth suspect managed to escape into a neighbouring home, where he barricaded himself in.

There was a standoff until just after 4pm, when police confirmed the suspect was in custody and was being taken to Hamilton Police Station.

A Police spokesman issued the following statement today: “The investigation into a burglary at a Rocklands View, Warwick residence is ongoing, with evidence still being secured at that location. Western Community Action Team officers are also in the neighbourhood to provide reassurance to area residents.

“The four male suspects arrested in connection with this matter range in age from 24 to 43 years old. They remain in police custody and a court appearance is anticipated in due course.”

The area was yesterday cordoned off by police who had received unconfirmed reports that the suspect was carrying a weapon.

Armed officers wearing bulletproof vests were drafted in and, according to a police spokesman, the property was “contained”.

Shortly afterwards Acting Inspector Alex Rollins said: “Officers responded to that residence, they put on a containment around that residence and eventually, with the help of a crisis and hostage negotiator the person was brought out of the house and arrested.”

Chief Inspector Jerome Laws thanked the community for their patience as the police worked to resolve the matter.

“We had a police operation going on and we had to ensure that we proceeded with our operation by all safest means. Sorry for the inconvenience that we caused to the members of this community,” he said.

“Our community action team will be in the area tomorrow to provide reassurance to the public that the Bermuda Police Service is doing all that we can to attack crime and prevent crime in your neighbourhood.

“We will be speaking to members of the community to establish some initiatives that could suit this community to ensure that it is safe and crime prevention is of the upmost importance.”

Witnesses are asked to contact the Somerset Criminal Investigation Unit on 234-1010 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline, 800-8477.