Cromer stand off LIVE: Armed cops swarm Norfolk church as man with knife inside

A man allegedly bought food and then proceeded to baricade himself and his dog in the church.

Lucy, a woman who lives locally, told North Norfolk News: "Apparently he had been to the local shop, bought some food and locked himself in. 

"He barricaded himself in there with his dog and was there all night.

"Nothing ever happens in Overstrand."

Two people, understood to be police negotiators, have been seen talking to someone through the entrance of the church.

A police officer has reportedly been spotted talking to someone at one of the church entrances.

Nearby school, Belfry Primary School, remains open as usual.

Armed officers and search and rescue crew are now stationed outside St Martins Church where a man is believed to be holed up inside.

Norfolk Police were called just before 4pm yesterday (September 26) following a report of concern for the safety of a man inside the medieval church.

Gordon Partridge, vice chairman of Overstrand Parish Council says a man has been seen in and around the village for the last four or five days.

He said a man "drove his car into the churchyard and damaged some gravestones".

Mr Partridge said:"He has been living in a car just outside the village.

"I first saw him on Monday. He was just standing in the street ranting and raving, not making any sense.

"I did not witness it but I heard he drove his car into the churchyard and damaged some gravestones.

"Church wardens went to see what was going on and found the man inside the church, refusing to leave.

"There has been some talk that he may have a knife."

Norfolk Constabulary are urging the public to "avoid the area" adding they do not believe there is " an immediate risk to the public".

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said: "We're currently at the scene of an ongoing incident in Overstrand.

"Police were called just before 4pm yesterday (September 26) following a report of a concern for the safety of a man inside St Martins Church in Cromer Road.

"Officers are in attendance and the public are asked to avoid the area. We do not believe there is an immediate risk to the public at this time."

A man allegedly drove a car into the medieval building.

A local councillor said there has been a person in the church since yesterday afternoon.

They said: "Apparently they drove into the churchyard and into the church, causing damage to the building. They then went into the church."

Armed police have swarmed a St Martins Church in Norfolk after reports of a man wielding a knife inside.

Ten police cars and vans have been spotted outside the church and the public are being warned to avoid the area which is just outside of seaside Cromer.

We'll be bringing you all the latest from the police stand off in Cromer, Norfolk.

More to follow.