A MAN who sparked a three-hour police stand-off outside a Southampton home has been released with a caution.

More than 30 officers carrying guns and riot shields surrounded the property in Green Lane, Millbrook, on Sunday, after a 999 call was made at around 4.30pm on Sunday reporting a disturbance.

Dozens of residents gathered outside the police cordon set up around a property called ‘The Madhouse’ to watch the drama unfold, while fire crews and an ambulance were also called to the scene.

It was thought the man had barricaded himself in the house using a fridge-freezer, and rumours spread he was armed and had threatened to set himself on fire.

The 47-year-old man, who the Daily Echo is not naming, was detained at the scene and held in custody overnight, but was released with a police caution for common assault.