Tenancy dispute leads to arrest

DEREK FLYNN/Marlborough Express

CUFFED: Armed police take a 31-year-old sickness beneficiary into custody in Girling Ave, Blenheim, about 5pm last night after an incident involving a knife.

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Armed police have arrested a 31-year-old man after an incident involving a knife in Girling Ave last night.

Michelle Stagg, of Blenheim, said police were called to the incident about 5pm after a dispute between a landlord and tenant over rent. Armed police responded because there were weapons at the property.

The man, a sickness beneficiary, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, understood to be a knife.

A small crowd, which included men drinking bourbon, and children, watched as two policemen and a police dog handler emerged from an address with the man in handcuffs and lead him to a waiting patrol car.

The man was to appear in Blenheim District Court today.

- The Marlborough Express