THE police helicopter was called out to search for a Newport man armed with a knife after he threatened to hurt himself and his family.

The unnamed man, who is in his early twenties and from the Allt-yr-yn area, made the threats after a confrontation with staff at the Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust offices in Goldtops just before 5.30pm yesterday.

He then made off into the surrounding streets with what police described as, the small household knife.

The police helicopter and patrol vehicles were used to search for the man following fears for his safety.

Officers were also sent to ensure the safety of his family, and as part of the hunt a house in the Allt-yr-yn area was searched by police.

The man was eventually caught by officers in the Baneswell area just before 8pm.

He was arrested and taken to Newport Central police station for questioning. No one was hurt during the incident.

Inspector Gareth Beak, of Gwent Police, said: "Police were called to the Goldtops area at 5.29pm after reports of a man threatening to self-harm and making threats toward his family.

"We used all available resources to find the man for his own safety and that of his family. He has been taken to Newport Central police station, where he is assisting officers with their inquiries."