Man arrested following stand-off at Mayo business premises

A man in his 30s has arrested after a serious incident in Ballina town centre last night.

A statement issued by An Garda Siochána confirmed: “Gardaí in Ballina responded to reports of a male brandishing a knife in a threatening manner in the Market Square area of the town."

The man barricaded himself inside a business premises and part of the town was sealed off.

Two staff members fled the building when the man made his entrance.

After a stand-off lasting several hours, gardaí arrested the man.

“No other persons were in the business premises at the time,” a garda spokesperson outlined.

Local officers were assisted by members of the Armed Support Unit during the operation, which continued for several hours.

The incident came to an end at around 11 p.m. when the man emerged from the building following discussions with gardaí.

Gardaí investigations are ongoing and the man remains in custody.