Two freed after armed siege in Digbeth, Birmingham Published duration 19 August 2015

image caption Armed police were called to Alcester Street shortly after 15:00, police said

Two women have been freed and a man arrested following an armed siege in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said an unarmed man, 31, locked himself in the premises of mental health charity Pathways in Digbeth with two staff members at 15:00 BST.

The first woman was freed shortly after 19:30 BST, and the second just after 20:00 BST by police.

It is not yet known why he took the hostages. No-one was injured.

Police said the man is not connected to the charity and he remains in custody.

The road has been closed for investigations.

Two ambulances, a paramedic car and five police cars were at the scene.

Witnesses said a wedding party from The Spotted Dog pub were evacuated.

image caption The first woman was freed shortly after 19:30

image copyright @DavidwBarnesENG image caption A witness said a nearby wedding party was evacuated by police