Police rescue woman hostage

IN CUSTODY: A man appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday on charges of kidnapping and threatening to kill. PHOTO/FILE

Wairarapa police successfully diffused a hostage situation where it is alleged a man with a knife was holding a woman on an Upper Plain Rd property in Masterton.

Officers were alerted that a 24-year-old male was said to be holding a woman hostage at the address at about 9pm on Monday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said a police negotiating team and dog handlers from Wellington were called to the scene but were stood down when Wairarapa police successfully convinced the man to hand himself in after about an hour and a half.

"Police were called to an address in Upper Plain Rd where a male was holding a female in a hostage situation. Police from Wellington were called to assist and the police negotiating team was called, however was not in the end required, as local police were able to talk to a 24-year-old male and get him to leave the address.

"He was taken into police custody."

The man and woman involved were known to each other.

The woman suffered no injuries but was traumatised by the incident and was receiving help from Victim Support, Mr Miller said.

The man appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday on charges of kidnapping and threatening to kill.

He was remanded in custody until February 16.

Contacting the police as soon as possible was important in preventing family violence situations from escalating, Mr Miller said.

"Ring the police as early as possible so they can sort things out before they escalate. As soon as there's an indication that something may be wrong, call the police."