A Norfolk man has spoken of the moment he was confronted by a man with a gun following an alleged argument about car parking.

Lee Henry, 38, of Martin Road, Harleston had just returned home in his L J Plumbing and Heating Services van, but could not park in his usual spot outside his home because the man's car was parked there. However, when he asked for the car to be moved he said an argument developed and the man followed Mr Henry back towards his home where Mr Henry's friend, Jamie Burchant, attempted to restrain him. Mr Henry alleged the man then threatened to shoot both Mr Burchant and himself and noticed he had an airgun. He told his partner, Steph Hills, 31, to call the police.

At least 10 police cars and more than 15 armed officers then attended the scene at 5.30pm on Tuesday and were engaged in a six hour stand-off with the man, which ended when he shot himself with the airgun and was taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston to receive treatment for minor stomach injuries.

Mr Henry said: 'I was quite shocked when he pulled out the gun, but not worried so much about what would happen to me, but more my family and Jamie's family. One of my children witnessed the incident and was quite upset about it. You just don't expect it in a quiet little neighbourhood like this.'

A Norfolk police spokesman said: 'Police were called to a property on Martin Road, in Harleston, at about 5.10pm to reports of a 45-year-old man with a suspected firearm making threats. Armed response units attended the scene along with trained police negotiators. In the interest of public safety, officers cordoned off an area around the property. During the incident the man discharged an air weapon into his stomach.' The man was arrested at 11.10pm and taken to hospital to receive treatment for pellet wounds. Police were still at the scene yesterday and were continuing to question the suspect.