Armed man holds woman hostage in Oldham house Published duration 25 July 2017

media caption Woman held hostage in Oldham after 'break-in'

Police are continuing negotiations with a man armed with a gun who is holding a woman hostage in Greater Manchester.

Officers were called to a reported break-in at a property in Pemberton Way in Shaw, Oldham, at about 03:15 BST.

Two children, aged one and six, who were in the house were released and are now safe with family, said Greater Manchester Police.

Residents from 44 properties nearby have been evacuated from their homes "as a precaution", the force added.

The one-year-old child was released after about an hour and the six-year-old was released at about 06:00 BST.

image caption Armed officers are at the scene on Pemberton Way, Shaw where a woman is being held hostage

Ch Supt Neil Evans said the force was "working to bring this incident to a safe resolution" and that "our priority is the safety of all those involved."

"I understand the massive impact this is having in the community and we are keen to minimise any disruption it may cause", he said.

He said the gas supply had been isolated "as a caution" after a smell of gas was reported.