Armed police operation on Dyrøya enters third day – 50 residents isolated
An armed man has barricaded himself in Dyrøy for over two days. Police report constructive dialogue, but are asking for patience.
Road closures and unrest on Dyrøya after 48 hours of police operation
Around 50 people are trapped behind police cordons in Dyrøy municipality in Troms and Finnmark, after an armed man barricaded himself in a residential building for over two days. This is reported by NRK Norge, which has closely followed the incident since it began.
Blue lights, shuttle traffic from police and civil protection services, and closed roads have characterised the local community since the night when police were first met with gunfire. Friday morning, police confirmed they had maintained dialogue with the man throughout the night.
Shop manager in the midst of the exceptional situation
Lill Sigrid Bergheim, manager of the local shop, describes everyday life during the operation as demanding.
– The days have actually been long. There has been a lot of traffic passing by where I live, says Bergheim.
She explains that phone calls have been queuing from customers with practical concerns related to goods delivery, medicines and post.
– We try to do our best and send out what we can of goods and services, she says.
Reactions amongst residents are mixed, according to Bergheim.
– They are divided. Some are concerned, some are irritated, and some are a bit frightened. It is both because this can feel scary, and that some think the police should have done something faster.
Bergheim is nonetheless clear that she supports the police's approach.
– I am glad that they take the time to help and try to reach a solution where violence is not used. I hope not many think they should just storm the house, she says.
Mayor: – People are anxious
Mayor Marit Alvig Espenes (Ap) says the situation is now being felt throughout the entire municipality.
– It is gradually affecting us quite strongly. People are anxious and concerned, she says.
The municipality has mapped all those with health needs to ensure access to food, medicines and monitoring. Espenes also encourages residents to become "emergency friends" for one another.
– An emergency friend can be someone you can talk to, get help with transport from, or share resources with – like a carton of milk. Many are calling and want to help. This is the small municipality with the big heart, says Espenes.
Local rescue personnel have worked long shifts, and the municipality's crisis management is now seeking more information from police about how long the operation will last.
Police: The situation remains unclear
Operation leader Roy Nagel-Stangnes emphasises that the risk remains high.
– The situation is the same as it has been over the past days. We can see that there are still weapons in there, and we must take precautions based on the fact that police were met with gunfire on the first night, says Nagel-Stangnes.
The dialogue with the man is nonetheless described as constructive, and the goal is to agree on a safe way for him to come out. Both the road closure and the evacuation of nearby homes are maintained for the time being.
– We have full respect for those affected and wish to open up as soon as possible. But we cannot leave the scene until we have control of both the person and the weapons. We are asking for patience until we are finished at the scene, says Nagel-Stangnes.
Source: NRK Norge