A TENSE standoff between armed police and a chainsaw-wielding man who barricaded himself inside a house ended at lunchtime.

The siege in Farm Street, Oldham, started at 3pm yesterday after officers were alerted when a woman -- who is known to the man -- entered a shop in nearby Ashton Street.

She had been in the house since the night before and sustained several cuts and bruises from her ordeal. She has since received medical treatment.

Trained officers carried out a controlled entry into the building today and a man believed to be in his 30s is now in custody.

Speaking at the scene Supt Keith Bentley said "The house has now been sealed off and forensic teams are working at the scene. Throughout this incident our priority has been to ensure the safety of the public, Greater Manchester Police officers and the man himself.

"It could have been a very different outcome and I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the local community who have been inconvenienced during this incident."

All streets have now been re-opened and the residents have been allowed to return.

There were no injuries at the scene.

At one point the man emerged from the house and threw an object at the police before going back inside.

Earlier he threw a plank of wood from the top floor aimed at the police below.

One report said the man had threatened to turn on the gas and blow up the house, but Transco Gas was called out to switch off the supply.

Last night two officers went round the side of the house as if to talk to the man, but quickly retreated back to the street.