A MAN has been arrested after holding a six-year-old girl hostage for 40 hours in Scarborough.

The 32-year-old-man was arrested at 2.30pm today after he barricaded himself and the youngster in the house on the Eastfield Estate on Monday night.

Armed police surrounded the house on Herdborough Road following reports of a “domestic disturbance” while police negotiators tried to coax the man from the building.

Police said the suspect had since been taken into police custody and the girl was being cared for “at a place of safety”.

Det Chief Supt Steve Read, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “The primary intention of North Yorkshire Police throughout this difficult situation was to resolve the incident without harm to anybody involved. I am satisfied with the way we achieved our objective.

“I am very grateful for the professionalism shown by North Yorkshire police officers and staff throughout this lengthy operation and for the assistance provided by our community partners and neighbouring forces. “North Yorkshire Police would like to thank local residents for their patience and support.”