Sunshine West siege: Arrest over mum’s death

UPDATE:  A man had a street fight with three neighbours and allegedly tried to attack police before he was arrested in relation to the death of his mother.

Family members collapsed in a Sunshine West street wailing after the body of Athiel Manel was found on Tuesday morning.

Police were called about 7.25am to a neighbourhood dispute in Felstead Avenue.

A 23-year-old man believed to be armed with a tomahawk was found outside the house and uniform police called Critical Incident Response Team officers.

The officers shot the man with a beanbag round and arrested him about 10am.

Police then found the body of Ms Manel in a bungalow at the rear of the property.

A cousin of Ms Manel, a Sudanese refugee, said the man in custody had battled mental health and drug problems.

Superintendent Glenn Weir said three neighbours all received minor cuts and bruises after brawling with the man, with one possibly injured with an ”edged weapon”.

The man was taken to hospital under police guard.

He was being interviewed by police on Tuesday afternoon.

A tomahawk lay in the driveway of the house.