Two men wanted by police in connection with a series of knifepoint robberies have been arrested following a five-hour stand off.

Shortly after 10pm last night, police received a report that the men were at a block of flats on Leah Gardens in Prestwich.

Officers attended and tried to arrest the suspects.

One of the men, aged 25, was upstairs and jumped out of the window in an effort to escape. He was arrested outside the flats. He has been taken to hospital for treatment but is not in serious condition.

The other man, aged 27, climbed onto the roof of the house and refused to come down. The area was cordoned off. The man came down after five-hours of careful negotiation.

Both men have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody.

Inspector Kenny of the Bury division said: "I'm grateful for the excellent team effort by all those involved in this extremely challenging incident.

"A lot of patience was needed by our negotiator, a significant number of officers were needed to remain on duty at short notice to ensure normal business was not affected. All of the units we called upon provided us with a first class service.

"I am also grateful to the fire service for their support in ensuring that the suspect on the roof was brought down safely, and the ambulance service for being on standby throughout."