Welfare of hotel occupant draws armed police presence and closure of Wellington Rd.

Dozens of heavily armed police surrounded a south London hotel and shut down a major north-south artery amid concerns for a man inside one of the rooms. 

Officers were called to the Days Inn on Wellington Road South and Dearness Drive at around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, in regards to a man who they believe is armed with weapons, said Cst. Joel Davis with the London Police. 

"We're concerned for his safety and so we have police actively negotiating with him and we're hoping for a peaceful resolution," Davis said. 

Davis could not confirm if the man was alone in a room, but said around 8 p.m. that it appeared to be an isolated incident. No injuries have been reported and there is no threat to public safety, he added.

Guests staying at the hotel were told to evacuate the premises and were not allowed back inside as the evening went on. Vikas Lather was in the city for work and was staying at the Days Inn for the night. 

Lather said he had to wait outside and couldn't access his car because it was surrounded by police cruisers which didn't allow anyone to pass through. The second floor of the building was closed off to the public as police investigate, he said. 

"I've been standing out here since 5 p.m. When I arrived back at the hotel, police were already here and everyone else was standing outside," Lather said. "They weren't allowing me to go inside my room, and I was told to wait outside until they finish."

Many businesses in the area had to close, including a Boston Pizza right next to the hotel. Staff said this was disappointing, as they were expecting a busy night but had to close at around 7 p.m.

"We were hoping it would be a busy night at work because we were going really steady but things got cut short and that sucks for business," said Seth Vandongen, a cook at the restaurant. 

Vandongen said he doesn't know much about the incident, but it prompted his manager to close early to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Customers who were already at the restaurant before the incident were allowed to remain inside, he said.

Wellington Road, between Bradley and Dearness Dr., remained closed Tuesday as the investigation continued.