Residents trapped in their home as “snipers” respond to reports of man armed with handgun

MORE than 20 police officers, some armed with sniper-style guns, swooped on a Muswell Hill road yesterday after a report of a man seen with a handgun.

Police were called to Beatock Rise, off St James’ Lane at around 4.20pm yesterday.

St James’ Lane was closed off while more than 20 armed and plain clothes officers descended on the small lane.

It is believed no shots were fired, but four men were arrested in connection with the alleged incident and road closures were lifted by 5.30pm

One resident, who lives next door to the armed stand-off said: “I was in my bedroom and saw one of the men being led away.

“I rushed to another room and saw a sniper standing on the fence with a long, rifle-style gun pointed at the back door, and then another man was led off.

“The police officer motioned for me to get away from the window, so I dived away.

“Then I tried to leave the house, but as I got to the front door, another policeman waved me back in.

“Then I realised something major was under way.

“There were a lot of plain clothes officers and around 20 police in full gear.”

Police officers remained guarding the house throughout the night and this morning were still there, carrying out a forensic search of the home.

A police spokeswoman said the four males remain in custody at London police stations while Haringey CID investigate.

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