Glasgow 'grenade' siege ends with man's arrest

By Gavin Stuart

A 22-year-old man has been arrested following an eight-hour siege in Glasgow's west end.

Police officers with riot shields and battering rams entered the Dumbarton Road premises at around 2pm this afternoon after being called to the scene at 7.30 in the morning following reports of a disturbance.

The man was finally led out of the building in handcuffs at 4.15pm after giving himself up following negotiations with specially trained officers. He has been named locally as John McDermott.

Armed police and an army bomb disposal squad had been called in after three green spherical objects – thought to be smoke or stun grenades – were thrown out of the flat's window. A handgun and magazine were also seen on top of a nearby bus stop.

Negotiators were also sent to the scene and a cordon was set up around the area with firearms officers training weapons on the flat throughout the afternoon.

The siege resulted in the closure of Dumbarton road in both directions between Crow Road and Apsley Street. Businesses were closed in the area and members of the public were escorted away by police. Thirteen people had to be evacuated from their homes while the disturbance was ongoing.

Strathclyde Police Superintendent David Donaldson said: "There has obviously been a great deal of disruption in the west end today as a result of this incident.

"Our main priority throughout the operation has been the need to protect police officers, the public and also the individual concerned. The investigation is clearly at a very early stage and we will be looking at many lines of enquiry.

"I understand that the disruption has been challenging for many local residents and members of the public, and the decision to close Dumbarton Road was not taken lightly. However, as public safety was at the forefront of all our minds, we had to take all necessary steps. Our ultimate aim was always to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."

Following the man's arrest, army bomb disposal officers and a forensics team entered the premises to search for evidence and make sure the location was safe. The objects thrown from the window are currently being examined by Explosives Ordnance Team officers. Dumbarton Road was re-opened by Friday evening.

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