Domestic worker, 27, allegedly locked herself in Clementi flat with knife after suspected theft, arrested 3 hours later

A 27-year-old woman was arrested for theft in dwelling following an incident at Block 731 Clementi West Street 2 on Nov. 12.

According to Shin Min Daily News, a domestic worker allegedly argued with a person in the flat after being suspected of theft, before locking herself inside with a knife.

The worker was arrested following an alleged three-hour confrontation with police officers.

In response to Mothership's queries, police confirmed receiving a call for assistance at about 7:15pm.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Police officers seen carrying shields

According to Shin Min, reporters arrived at the block at around 8pm and spotted four police vehicles and two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) vehicles.

Several police officers were also seen outside the flat.

A neighbour, who declined to be named, told Shin Min that she had seen police officers at the unit as early as 5pm. She also heard children crying.

The neighbour said a couple and their two primary school-aged children lived in the flat.

The husband had suffered a stroke about two years earlier, after which his wife rarely returned home.

A domestic helper was subsequently hired to care for him.

On the evening of the incident, the neighbour also heard the husband shouting, although she was unsure what had happened.

She added that she saw police officers carrying shields outside the unit.

At around 9pm, a person was observed being taken to an ambulance while covered with a towel.

Police officers were still taking statements inside the flat at around 10pm.

One person taken to hospital

In response to Mothership's queries, SCDF confirmed that it received a call for assistance at about 7:20pm on Nov. 12.

"SCDF conveyed a person to National University Hospital," they said.

SCDF did not identify the person who was taken to hospital or provide details about their condition.