A SQUABBLE between two York brothers over whose turn it was to use the internet sparked a major armed police operation costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.

The incident led to a two-hour siege involving armed officers with automatic weapons, dogs and a trained negotiator.

Peter Mitchell, 19, dialled 999 after his Siberian step-brother, Vadim Paleyev, also 19, allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to kill him when told to wait his turn at their home off Moor Lane, in Woodthorpe.

A police operation, led by area commander Chief Superintendent John Lacy, was launched.

The street was sealed off and an armed response team supported by dog handlers surrounded the house. After a tense stand-off police negotiators eventually persuaded Mr Paleyev to give himself up and he was arrested for allegedly making "threats to kill".

A police spokesman said he was dealt with under the Harassment Act and given a warning following a tape- recorded interview and discussions with his solicitor.

He added: "We responded to a domestic incident allegedly involving a knife.

"Officers from the armed response unit, supported by dogs, surrounded the house and Mr Paleyev was persuaded to come out after a short stand-off.

"He was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

"Following a taped interview with Mr Paleyev and a discussion with his solicitor, a decision was taken to deal with it under the Harassment Act and give him a warning."

Today, both brothers remained unrepentant.

Mr Mitchell claims tension had built up since Mr Paleyev, 19, moved into their home from Siberia last year when his mother married Peter's father.

"We've each got our own computer but only one connection for the internet," he said.

"He was really selfish with it and always wanted his own way. I'd had enough of that."

Mr Paleyev, who is believed to work as a doorman in York, said: "I don't know why he called the police. I never touched him that day.

"We've had some arguments about the internet connection because we both want to use it, but that's it."

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, October 09, 2003