Armed man barricaded in apartment – SWAT deployed

Police cordon off apartment building in Berlin

Residents evacuated as SWAT team prepares to enter

Berlin police have cordoned off an apartment building in the city's Neukölln district after a man barricaded himself inside with a firearm. Residents have been evacuated as a SWAT team prepares to enter the apartment and apprehend the suspect.

The incident began at around 10am local time when police received reports of a man threatening to harm himself and others inside an apartment on Hermannstraße. Police arrived on the scene and attempted to negotiate with the man, but he refused to come out and allegedly threatened to shoot officers.

As a result, a SWAT team was called in to assist with the operation. Police have evacuated the building and are currently preparing to enter the apartment. It is not yet clear what prompted the man to barricade himself inside the apartment, but police are treating the situation as a hostage situation.

The suspect has not been identified, but police have described him as a "known individual" with a history of mental health issues. Police are urging the public to stay away from the area and are asking anyone with information about the suspect to contact the police immediately.

SWAT team prepares to enter apartment

The SWAT team has arrived on the scene and is preparing to enter the apartment. Police have cordoned off the area and are evacuating residents from the building. The SWAT team is using a loudspeaker to order the suspect to come out, but he has not yet complied.

Police are urging the public to stay away from the area and are asking anyone with information about the suspect to contact the police immediately.

Residents evacuated from building

All residents have been evacuated from the building and are being taken to a nearby community center. Police are asking the public to stay away from the area and are urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact the police immediately.

Police urge public to stay away from area

Police are urging the public to stay away from the area and are asking anyone with information about the suspect to contact the police immediately.