Man Detained Under Mental Health Act Following Sandown Petrol Station Incident

Police have confirmed that a man involved in a major incident at a Sandown petrol station on Sunday evening (June 7) was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

Armed officers and local police were called to the Esso garage on Avenue Road shortly before 7pm following reports of a man in possession of a weapon.

During the incident, the man was reported to be threatening to pour petrol over himself, leading staff at the adjoining Co-op store to lock themselves inside as a precaution.

Following negotiations with officers, the incident was brought to a peaceful conclusion and the man was safely detained. Police also seized a weapon.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary says the man was taken to St Mary's Hospital for assessment and care under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

No injuries were reported to members of the public or emergency service personnel.

Section 136 gives police the power to remove someone from a public place to a place of safety if they appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis and are considered to be at immediate risk.