Police have begun a second day of negotiations to save an elderly woman held captive by a knife-wielding man inside her own home.
Officers were called to Perry Hill Road in Sandwell, West Midlands, shortly after 7am yesterday, after concerns for the 79-year-old pensioner's welfare were raised.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said a 40-year-old man was inside the property armed with a knife, adding that the incident is believed to be domestic-related.
Armed officers and specially trained negotiators remain at the scene today, and a number of roads surrounding the address are cordoned off.
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay, who is managing the incident, said: "Officers received an emergency call yesterday morning regarding concerns for the welfare of a woman who lives at an address in Warley.
"Police made further inquiries which confirmed that a man aged in his 40s was also inside the property in Perry Hill Road and was armed with a knife. At this stage the incident is believed to be domestic-related.
"Specialist officers including force negotiators remain at the scene as they continue to try and bring the situation to a peaceful and safe resolution."
Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said: "This is an extremely sensitive and complex incident and trained negotiators in partnership with medical professionals are working around the clock to try to resolve the incident peacefully.
"Our main priority is the safety of the woman being held.
"I understand the impact that a situation like this can have on the local community and have no doubt many people are concerned by the events unfolding here.
"I would like to thank the local community for their patience and assure them that no other people have been placed in danger.
"Specialist teams of officers are working to continue to endeavour to bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion."