A MAN has been arrested after threatening to blow up his family and their home.

Police rushed to the house in Castleton Road, Ilford, after reports that a man had been pouring flammable liquid in several rooms in an attempt to harm "other family members."

The attempts by officers to get the man out were initially unsuccessful, but they did manage to help other family members inside the house escape shortly after arriving on the scene.

A tense stand-off then ensued, as negotiators tried to persuade the man to give himself up.

According to police the man then threatened to "harm himself".

Officers from the Met's territorial support group then raided the house, supported by Redbridge police.

Inside, a man was caught and arrested on suspicion of public order offences and threats to kill.

Police say there were no injuries and damage to the house was minimal.

The man has since been bailed pending further enquiries, but he has also been transferred to a nearby hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

The incident happened at around 11.20pm on Friday (July 10).