by Nick Lillitos

A 36-year-old man has been charged with assault and affray following an incident at a house on the Stanhope estate in Ashford yesterday (Thursday).

He was taken into custody following a three-hour stand-off with officers, some of them armed, at an address at Luddenham Close.

Police, including a dog unit, were called to an address in the road following reports of a domestic dispute.

He was persuaded to come out of the house by community police officer Mandy Surgenor.

Police feared the man had taken medication and there was concern for his welfare. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital to be checked out and spent the night in police custody before being charged on Friday.

The man has been bailed until July 30 pending further inquiries.