Man charged after hostage stand-off

A two hour stand-off this morning between armed police and a man who took two women hostage in Runanga, 8km north east of Greymouth, has ended peacefully.

A 26 year old man was arrested and appeared in Greymouth District Court this morning. He was remanded to reappear in Christchurch District Court on Monday.

Sergeant Brent Cook of Greymouth police said the man was arrested after the stand-off with the Armed Offenders Squad between 2.40am and 4.40am.

Mr Cook could not confirm whether the man was armed.

- NZPA