Newcastle's most senior Police officer says he makes no apology for the inconvenience caused to residents from the 17-hour siege at Tighes Hill.
People living around Henry Street were evacuated from their homes yesterday morning and forced sit at a nearby oval as officers attempted to negotiate with a 27-year-old man, which continued throughout the night.
He eventually surrendered to police at 4.45am today and is expected to be charged over a triple stabbing in Sydney and two armed hold-ups in Newcastle.
Superintendent John Gralton says community safety is paramount when they're dealing with siege situations.
"There's certainly going to be disruption in the community, but we can't be held responsible for that and I make no immediate apology for that. What I do say is that we kept the community as safe as we possibly could during this operation, and that was what was forefront in our minds - is making sure that we affected the arrest of this violent individual," he said.
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| Superintendent John Gralton Prepares To Address The Media At Waratah Police Station This Morning Picture:Ian Crouch |
