The rector at the church where an armed man locked himself inside has praised police for safely bringing to an end a 25-hour siege.

The man, aged in his 30s, was arrested after officers entered St Martin’s in Overstrand on Friday evening bringing to an end the lengthy stand-off.

He had been inside the medieval coastal church in what police described as a state of “mental distress” just before 4pm on Thursday afternoon. 

Firearms officers and trained negotiators were involved in lengthy stand offFirearms officers and trained negotiators were involved in lengthy stand off (Image: Denise Bradley)

READ MORE: Man arrested after 25-hour siege at Overstrand church

Inside the 15th-century building, police found a 12-inch machete and a flagpole that had been sharpened to resemble a spear.

The man, who is still in custody under investigation, was not injured during the police action and is now receiving medical care and attention.

The Rev Siân Reading, Rector at St Martin's, said: “We're very relieved that the situation has been resolved safely for all and that the man is now able to get the help he needs, and we would like to thank the police for all their assistance.  

“We want to assure the man of our prayers at this time.”

Revd Reading said they still waiting to assess any damage to the churchRevd Reading said they still waiting to assess any damage to the church (Image: Diocese of Norwich)

Specialist police teams - including trained negotiators and firearms officers - had been at the scene for most of the day.

READ MORE: Trained negotiators talk to Overstrand church siege man

The siege had seen the area around the church cordoned off with the public warned to keep clear though police said there had been no immediate danger.  

There was a large police presence in Overstrand throughout the siegeThere was a large police presence in Overstrand throughout the siege (Image: Denise Bradley) The man was said to have entered the 15th century church in a state of mental distressThe man was said to have entered the 15th century church in a state of mental distress (Image: Denise Bradley)

Revd Reading, who is the Rector of the Poppyland Benefice which includes seven parishes nestled on the North Norfolk coast including Overstrand, said they had still not been allowed back into the church.

“The police investigation is continuing therefore we haven't yet been able to access the church to assess any damage yet,” she added. 

There wasn't a church service planned at St Martin's this Sunday with worshippers instead meeting at St Michaels in Sidestrand at 10am.