Man charged after 9-hour rooftop stand off on St Matthews Grove

Officers attended St Matthews Grove, Thatto Heath to arrest a wanted man at around 8.50am on Monday.

The suspect went on to the roof and was detained later in the day after a long stand-off. A search of the property led to a large quantity of cannabis being seized. 

Emergency services at the scene on Monday

It is believed the stand-off lasted for around nine hours and that tiles were thrown down from the roof.

Benjamin Devlin, of Windle Hall Drive, Windlehurst has been charged with five counts of criminal damage (three to vehicles and two to properties); two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker; common assault of an emergency worker; possession with intent to supply cannabis; possession of cocaine; possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Devlin, 26, will appear at Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens' Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday, September 22.

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Meanwhile, 21-year-old man from Thatto Heath; a 19-year-old woman from St Helens; and a 16-year-old boy from St Helens were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply cannabis. They have all been released under investigation pending further enquires.

Emergency services at the scene on Monday

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman added: "MFRS was called to St Matthews Grove, Thatto Heath, on Monday, September 20, following reports of a person on a roof.

"Crews were alerted at 9.11am and on scene at 9.20am.

"Two fire engines attended as well as the search and rescue team and aerial appliance.

"Fire crews stood by and awaited instruction from Merseyside Police. North West Ambulance Service were also in attendance."