ARMED police have surrounded a property in Princetown after a man thought to be armed with knives and a gas canister allegedly made threats to torch the house.

The siege kicked off just before 7.30am in Oakery Close when a disturbance at the address was reported.

A 100m security cordon has since been thrown around the property as a police negotiator tries to persuade the man to leave the property peacefully.

Paramedics and fire crews are on standby at the scene where near neighbours have been evacuated from their homes.

Police have said they are concerned for the welfare of the man in the property.