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Twin girls released by father after 'armed siege' Twin girls released by father after 'armed siege'
(about 2 hours later)
Twin two-year-old girls have been released unharmed after being held by their father in an armed siege at a flat in Oxfordshire.Twin two-year-old girls have been released unharmed after being held by their father in an armed siege at a flat in Oxfordshire.
Police said the girls' mother called officers to the flat in Morton Avenue, Kidlington, at about 03:30 BST having escaped from the property herself.Police said the girls' mother called officers to the flat in Morton Avenue, Kidlington, at about 03:30 BST having escaped from the property herself.
The 38-year-old man is still thought to be inside and is believed to be armed.
A cordon has been extended to "maintain the safety of the public", police said.
Armed police have been dealing with the "domestic-related incident".Armed police have been dealing with the "domestic-related incident".
The 38-year-old man is still thought to be inside the property and is believed to be armed. Thames Valley Police said the man had not asked for anything in return for the girls' release and had made no threat to them.
The force said the road had been closed until further notice to "allow police operations to safely take place".
Thames Valley Police said the man had not asked for anything in return for the girls' release, had made no threat to the girls and was not believed to be a threat to the public.
'Estranged' father'Estranged' father
Police said he has been in regular communication with officers and one of the girls was released at about 09:45.Police said he has been in regular communication with officers and one of the girls was released at about 09:45.
The second girl was released shortly before midday.The second girl was released shortly before midday.
The man is believed to be estranged from the girls' mother and does not live at the address.The man is believed to be estranged from the girls' mother and does not live at the address.
Up to 50 police officers are involved in the operation and a cordon is in place around the building.
Les Holstead, a resident of Morton Avenue, said: "We were told to stay indoors for our own safety as it was an armed incident.Les Holstead, a resident of Morton Avenue, said: "We were told to stay indoors for our own safety as it was an armed incident.
"It's normally a quiet, peaceful area.""It's normally a quiet, peaceful area."
Supt Christian Bunt said: "I'd like to provide reassurance to the public that we have this fully in hand, we have the area contained and we have firearms officers that are deployed and are currently dealing with this incident." Up to 50 police officers are involved in the operation and a cordon around the property has been extended by by 100 yards (90m), officers say.
In addition he said "neighbourhood community reassurance teams" were in place. Supt Christian Bunt said: "This measure is precautionary and proportionate to the information we have at this time.
A statement from Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This is a contained incident and neighbourhood officers will be carrying out patrols speaking to residents. "I am conscious of the impact that this incident is having on local residents and I would ask them to remain patient with us until this matter is resolved.
"We strongly advise you to avoid the roads in and around Morton Avenue as there will not be any access." "The local neighbourhood policing team is carrying out patrols in the area and people should approach them and discuss any concerns they might have."
He added: "I'd like to provide reassurance to the public that we have this fully in hand. We have the area contained and we have firearms officers that are deployed and are currently dealing with this incident."
A section of Moreton Avenue remains closed. Other roads affected include Yarnton Road and Moreton Close.
A statement from Kidlington Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We strongly advise you to avoid the roads in and around Morton Avenue as there will not be any access."