Update: Police have successfully negotiated the safe and peaceful removal of the man in the unit in Red Hill. He is now in police custody.

ACT Policing is negotiating the surrender of a 39-year-old man in a unit block in Red Hill this afternoon (Sunday, 5 March).

Police were alerted by the resident of the unit this morning a man had barricaded him in the unit overnight after an argument. The man had allegedly assaulted him with a weapon.

While the offender was distracted, the man managed to flee the apartment and went to City Police Station around 10am. He alerted them to the location of the offender who is still in the unit.

Police have established a cordon around the unit and have attempted a negotiated surrender.

Police evacuated the unit block after they noticed a strong smell of fuel coming from the apartment. Monaro Cresent was closed south of La Peruse Street with ACT Fire Brigade and Ambulance units on standby.

Negotiations are ongoing.