Man in hospital after two-hour stand-off with police and fire at Livingston flat

A man who was said to have barricaded himself inside a Livingston property, where firefighters were called to tackle a fire as a result of the disturbance, is now in hospital.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said the man was undergoing a medical assessment and enquiries are ongoing.

It follows a report of a disturbance and fire within a flat in Juniper Grove, Livingston, on Saturday. Emergency services attended including specialist negotiators.

A fire service spokesperson confirmed they sent three fire engines to the scene at around 6.30pm and that firefighters used a hose reel jet and breathing apparatus to put out the flames. The spokesperson said crews left the scene around 8.20pm.

One resident, who witnessed the scene unfold, said the man barricaded himself inside the flat before a fire was started in at least one of the rooms, with smoke seen pouring out of the windows.

The resident said he also saw the man throwing objects - including parts of his sofa - from a window and shouting abuse at police officers. He believes this went on for about two hours before police went inside and removed the man.

Today, a spokesman for Police Scotland gave an update, following the incident. He said: “Around 6pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021, police received a report of a disturbance and subsequent fire within a flat in Juniper Grove, Livingston.

Footage showed smoke coming from the flat in Livingston on Saturday night.

"Emergency services attended, including specialist negotiators, and the man was taken to hospital where he is undergoing a medical assessment. Enquiries are ongoing.”

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