The suspect at the centre of a eight hour stand-off with armed cops was spotted earlier "strutting around" while brandishing a hand gun.

The drama began after the suspect rang police earlier today and threatened to kill people.

The red car, which the suspect is seated inside, can be seen parked in a residential street in Addiscombe.

But a passing local claimed she saw the man parade outside the car clutching a hand gun to his chest - two hours into the siege.

Kim Santry, 34, said: "We were sitting in our friend's house in a street opposite - Kingscote Road and we were watching the whole thing unfold.

"At around 11am we saw him get out of the red car with the gun.

"He was holding it next to his chest. It was small, like a hand gun.

"He walked up and down for around two to three minutes.

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"The police officers didn't do anything, the dogs barked and then he got back in.

"We don't know why they didn't jump on him there and then."

She added: "He was black and had a black hood, but the main body of the coat was silver and padded.

"He was about 5ft 8ins and of medium build.

"He just strutted around without a care in the world."

The Met Police confirmed the man rang threatening to kill people and hinted he had a gun this morning.

A spokesman added he is still sat in the car with a firearm - eight hours later.

Earlier locals said they were turned away from their homes by police officers for "health and safety reasons."

Armed police remain at the scene and several streets close to Ashburton Park are still surrounded with police tape.