Police in Chapelgate, Sutton St James. Picture: BRIAN PURDY

PART of a Fenland village is cordoned off tonight as attempts continue to break what appears to be an armed siege.

A police officer was injured in what was described as a “police incident” in Sutton St James at about 11am today. Part of the village has been sealed off since.

Armed police from Leicestershire have been called in and there have been reports of dogs being mobilised. It is also understood that guns are involved.

Residents have been told tonight to stay in their homes and not go out or gather in public places - and people who aren’t already home are requested not to attempt to go home but instead to go nearby houses or friends/relatives.

People who do not have anywhere suitable to go can make their way to Sutton St James Primary School.

A police spokesman said anyone who has a problem making their way to the school should speak to an officer at one of five containment points.

Dozens of police converged on Chapelgate, Sutton St James, after the incident. Our reporter Andrew Papworth has been at the scene this afternoon.

Earlier, a helicopter circled overhead, occasionally stopping “as if it is searching a specific area, before moving on and circling the area again”.

Lincolnshire Police say the incident “is still ongoing and therefore we are unable to release further information for operational reasons. An officer has sustained minor injuries during the incident.”

The village is less than four miles south west of Long Sutton and has a population of about 1,000.