A 19-year-old man was yesterday detained under the Mental Health Act, after he barricaded himself into a Warwick home for seven hours.

The Bermuda Police Service attended the report of a man with a bladed article at a residence on Easedale Lane at about 1.25pm, and described the teenager as “in distress”.

A police spokeswoman said: “As a result of the incident that took place on Easedale Lane in Warwick, Police were able to detain a 19-year-old male under the Mental Health Act.

“He is being transported to Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, where he will be assessed. The incident went without any reported injuries. We thank members of the public for their patience.”

Shortly before 4pm, police officers had surrounded the house and a negotiator was on the scene.

At that time, a police spokesman said: “We do have trained negotiators within the Bermuda Police Service.

“At present, one is in place, and she is working with the relevant Government agencies and they are processing the scene and working with the individual as we speak.”

The road remained cordoned off, with several police vehicles, including two public order vans and an emergency response team unit, standing by.

One area resident, who knows the 19-year-old, said he was “totally surprised” by what had happened. The man, who asked not to be named, described the teenager as a “quiet” and “peaceful” individual, who “kept to himself”.

“All he does is work, go home, work, go home. He doesn’t hang out in the street or anything.”

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, said she was “very shocked”.

She said the area is a “family-orientated neighbourhood”, with children riding their bikes up and down the streets.

Another man, who runs a business in the area, added: “This is usually a quiet neighbourhood. You don’t see much activity up here at all.”