Oxford Paradise Square stand-off suspect charged

A man detained over a 14-hour armed stand-off in Oxford has been charged.

Shots were exchanged between a man and police in Paradise Square on Monday.

Duncan Shearman, 24, of Paradise Square, has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He is also accused of three counts of possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid or gas. He appeared at Banbury Magistrates' Court earlier.

He will next appear at Oxford Crown Court on 8 June, where his trial is expected to take place.

Mr Shearman was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but a police spokesman confirmed no charge had been brought in connection with that.

Firearms officers were called at 13:15 BST on Monday after witnesses reported hearing gunfire.

One resident said he heard about 20 shots exchanged, with a man "shooting from the balcony" of a home.

One person was treated for a non life-threatening injury, South Central Ambulance Service said.

Homes were evacuated during the stand-off, though police began to allow residents to return on Monday evening after presenting themselves at a police cordon.

Omar Murtaza, 33, who was evacuated with his wife and four children, said: "It's a bit scary, this is normally a quiet neighbourhood.

"You don't expect guns anywhere really, but not in Oxford."