Trained police negotiators spent three hours persuading a woman to leave someone else's flat after she barricaded herself inside with a kitchen knife.
Officers wasted no time in sending in the experts as they feared for the woman's personal safety.
She spent the night in custody at Southend police station after eventually being calmed down by negotiators and arrested for aggravated burglary.
She was expected to be assessed by mental health experts today.
Officers and negotiators wearing stab-proof vests went to the flat in Seaview Road, Shoebury, at 10.30pm last night after a call from a member of the public.
It took two hours to get her to co-operate with them and let them in. It is not clear if she handed over the knife voluntarily.
Sgt Andy Prophet, of Southend police, said: "Officers were concerned for her safety. We were afraid she might do herself harm."
An Essex Police spokesman said: "No threats were made and nobody was injured."
Published Wednesday August 21, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article