A MAN has been taken into custody after a 12-hour police operation in the Upper Hunter.
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The man, aged 42, was allegedly armed with a blade and was making threats against police, ex partners and animals via a live broadcast on social media. He had barricaded himself inside a house, forcing the closure of the New England Highway as police and emergency services negotiated with him.
Police were called to the property on July 31 about 9am. They surrounded the Murrurundi property, but the man allegedly refused to surrender, sparking a large-scale tactical response.
At the time, police urged residents to stay away from the area and said the road would re-open when the operation ended, which occurred at 10.30pm Thursday.
The man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook police station. He was then transported to hospital for a mental health assessment.
There were no reports of injuries and paramedics were not required to treat anyone at the scene.
Mayne Street in Murrurundi remained closed for more than 12 hours, blocking the New England Highway with no diversions in place, NSW Incident Alerts said.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
Jessica Brown
