AN ARMED burglar stormed a house with four children inside leaving two women injured.

Police with guns and dogs descended on the property in Goring just before midnight after the man broke in.

The Argus:

Officers surrounded the building and the two women and four children were able to get out of the house.

But the man refused to come out.

Residents from surrounding homes in Maybridge Crescent were evacuated and taken to the police station for their own safety.

The Argus:

After a stand-off which lasted more than three hours he came to the door but would still not cooperate with police so they had to use a Taser.

A police spokesman said the intruder was known to the residents.

He said: “The man remained in the house and police established communication and dialogue with him. although at that stage he would not come out.

“However officers remained in patient contact with him and at 3.48am he came to the door, but would not comply with officers’ instructions and it was necessary to discharge a Taser device.”

The Argus:

The weapon was found to be an imitation handgun and several knives have been recovered from the address.

Both women had sustained minor cuts but did not need hospital treatment.

Chief inspector Miles Ockwell, district commander for Adur and Worthing, said: “This was a very serious incident.

“Our priority was to ensure the safety of those at risk and we managed to do so while also minimising the level of harm to the man involved, who can now be dealt with through the Criminal Justice system.

The Argus:

“We thank people living nearby for their patience and understanding for the disturbance caused while we resolved this incident safely.”

The police spokesman said a man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and after being taken to Worthing Hospital for a medical assessment, is now in police custody for interview and further enquiries.

He is being further arrested on suspicion of assault and firearms offences.