Portsmouth Man Charged After Knife Siege at Virgin Media Store
A tense three-hour stand-off ended with a 20-year-old Portsmouth man charged for threatening people with a knife inside the Virgin Media shop in the city centre.
Armed Police Surround Virgin Media Store
On Saturday midday, chaos erupted as the man burst into the busy Virgin Media store at the northern end of Portsmouth’s shopping precinct. Armed police, riot shields, and police dogs quickly surrounded the building, locking down the area and sparking a major public safety operation.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
Hampshire Police confirmed the man is currently in custody, charged with threatening multiple people with a knife, affray, and assault. He reportedly threw an alcohol gel bottle at a man in his 40s during the incident.
“The man will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow,” the police said in a statement.
Police Praised for Handling Crisis
Officers were applauded by onlookers as they escorted the suspect from the premises and ended the siege. The police also thanked local businesses and members of the public for their cooperation and patience throughout the ordeal.
