Man arrested on suspicion of GBH and arson after 'threatening firefighters and barricading himself inside Farringdon flat'

A man has been arrested after after police swooped on a central London estate where the suspect had allegedly barricaded himself inside.

Six fire engines and some 40 fire fighters were called to the Peabody Estate on Farringdon Lane just before 3.10pm on Monday.

They found no fire but were threatened by a man inside the block, who barricaded himself inside as police officers arrived.

A number of neighbouring of flats were evacuated as a precaution.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “At approximately 7.50pm, the man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and arson.

"He will be taken to an east London police station.”.