Man charged after siege in Melbourne’s outer west

Police have charged a 26-year-old man with a string of offenses following the siege in Melbourne’s west.

The man, from Snake Valley near Ballarat in western Victoria, appeared in court on Friday evening on a string of charges relating to an incident that occurred two days ago.

Detectives allege the man stole a vehicle in Snake Valley on Wednesday and then drove to the suburb of Melton, more than an hour away.

Police followed the vehicle to Leon Drive in Weir Views, where the man allegedly got out of the car and opened fire on police.

Officers allege the man then entered a home where a man he did not know and a young child were inside.

Police negotiated the release of the man and the little boy.

The man then allegedly shot at police again, who returned fire and sent a dog to assist in the arrest.

The man was charged on Friday with more than 20 offenses, including assault against police and firearms offences.

The charges include false imprisonment, dangerous driving, car theft and making death threats.