ARMED police and sniffer dogs surrounded a house in York for more than three hours, as onlookers gathered to watch the drama unfold.

Police were called to Crombie Avenue, Clifton, at 7.15pm yesterday to a suspected domestic dispute amid fears there was a samurai sword in the property.

Residents, including very young children, gathered as about ten police vehicles, with their blue lights flashing, descended on the street and dozens of officers piled out.

The stretch of road near the house was cordoned off to keep spectators at bay, while a trained police negotiator tried to contact a man inside. A woman had left the property by the time police arrived.

Sergeant Jeremy Wilkinson, of York Police, said: "A resident of Crombie Avenue contacted the police at 7.15pm to report a domestic argument between herself and her husband. There was some concern that he had access to a samurai sword so we had to proceed with more caution than we would ordinarily."

A 39-year-old man was arrested at about 10.30pm on suspicion of assault. Today he was still at York Police Station, but had not been charged with any offence.

"No injuries were caused to either the police or the occupant. No resistance to arrest was offered," said Sgt Wilkinson, who added the woman had received an injury before the police attended.

He said the incident took so long because officers had to follow certain health and safety procedures.

Explaining the guidelines for such situations, he said: "We put a cordon around the premises. We don't want members of the public and neighbours getting involved and putting themselves at risk if the person decided to be awkward and resist arrest. The last thing we want is a hostage situation."

Pam East-Watson, of Crombie Avenue, said: "The first we heard about anything was when the police were coming down here at about 7pm.

"We were going out at the time and saw a police van racing down and then, at the top of Crichton Avenue, another one came down with sirens blaring. Then we heard something about someone with a samurai sword. By the time we got back there were about ten vans with some dogs and armed police. They had been trying to negotiate with him.

"It is quite dramatic. We have never seen so many police cars. We have the usual horseplay from kids, so there's usually a community bobby around but nothing like this.

"There were two nice officers at the front keeping everyone calm."

Other residents described the incident and sight of officers with riot shields as "shocking".

Jamie Swires, 17, who was out with friends, stayed to watch the activity.

"We have been here all night. It started about 7.20pm. There must have been about 10 to 11 police vehicles with a riot van, a dog van. They all pulled up and taped the area off. I think some tried to get round the back. We saw the fellow come out at the end. Everyone cheered and he just shouted: 'Come on!'. I saw him getting into the van. There were about 50 people watching. Loads of people kept coming back."

Updated: 09:14 Saturday, August 27, 2005