2LT Local News

ORANGE, Central West, NSW, Australia – The city of Orange has been shocked at news of a more than four-hour-siege which took place in the city on Wednesday night.

What started out as a home invasion around 7:00pm, turned into a siege with a young man, 18, being held as hostage.

The drama began at around 7:00pm Wednesday night when the alleged attacker, a 27-year old man, arrived at the Garema Road, Orange home unit which at the time was occupied by the 18-year old, and another man, 59. The visitor spoke to the two residents of the home, neither of whom knew him. At some point the 27-year old man produced a knife and threatened the men. The older occupant of the house was able to flee, however the younger man was held hostage by the alleged invader.

Officers from the Central West Police District established a perimeter early, and began negotiations.

The alleged attacker just after 11:00pm Wednesday night set the home alight. Firefighters were called in and nearby homes were evacuated.

With negotiations stalling, police ultimately stormed the blazing home unit, at which time the 18-year old managed to escape.

The attacker, a 27-year old man then confronted police with a hammer, threatening them. However he was subdued and arrested.

Firefighters then managed to extinguish the blaze.

When the siege ended, both the 18-year old man and the 27-year old man were treated by paramedics at the scene, however the only person injured was a police officer who was bitten by a dog during the siege.

The 27-year old alleged attacker, who police say is from Bourke, is being held at Orange Police Station where he was refused bail ahead of a court appearance at Orange Local Court on Thursday, where he was facing a string of charges.

(File photo).

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