Man with suspected firearm in a Sydney brothel sparks six-hour standoff

A man believed to have a firearm has barricaded himself within a Sydney brothel, triggering a heavy police response that has shut down a suburban street for more than six hours.

Authorities were called to a brothel on Vangeli Street in Arndell Park, in Sydney’s west, at 2pm on Sunday.

Negotiators and the tactical police unit remain stationed outside the premises, and their operation was ongoing as of 8.30pm.

The man is the only person who remains inside the building, a police spokesperson said.

Vangeli Street remains closed as police work to resolve the standoff.

There is no ongoing threat to the community despite the heavy response, police said.

“Further information will be released at an operationally appropriate time,” the police said in a statement.

The man was reported to be armed with a firearm, but that had not been confirmed.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.