David Clarke, pictured, 53, appeared in court charged with holding people hostage with a shotgun and Samurai sword

A 53-year-old man has appeared in court charged with holding two people hostage in a bowling alley with a gun and a Samurai sword.

David Clarke is accused of a string of charges after the terrifying four-hour standoff on Sunday.

Armed police rushed to the retail centre at Bermuda Park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, at around 2.30pm to attempt to free the hostages Joshua Steedman and William Barlow.

The whole area was cordoned off as families were evacuated to a nearby cinema, hotel and restaurant.

A court heard a firearm, samurai sword and knife were also used 'threaten violence' to Peter Brunt during the incident.

He is also charged with two counts of false imprisonment, one count of criminal damage and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt, bearded Clarke spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the 40-minute hearing at Leamington Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He was remanded in custody and will attend a further hearing at Warwick Crown Court on November 11.

Chair of the bench Margaret Middleton said: 'Mr Clarke, you will appear at Warwick Crown Court for the following offences: two counts of false imprisonment, one count of criminal damage, two counts of possession of a bladed article, one count of possession of a firearm with intent cause fear of violence and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Armed police rushed to the scene in Nuneaton after receiving reports of a man with a sawn-off shotgun, eventually raiding the bowling alley to free the hostages

Armed police (left) were seen arriving on the scene before entering the alley in Nuneaton (right)

'You will be ordered to attend on November 21 for a preliminary hearing.

'That is the order of the court.'

Around 30 armed police officers attended the scene and all of the roads around the popular leisure park were closed off.

The two hostages were 'uninjured' after being assessed, the West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed.