Police arrest 42-year-old man who held 60-year-old woman hostage at knifepoint in Yishun

SINGAPORE — A 42-year-old man was arrested on Monday (Jan 9) morning after allegedly holding a woman hostage in Yishun during a confrontation with police officers.

A video posted online shows the man holding a knife against the woman's neck near the void deck of Block 108 Yishun Ring Road, while the woman was seated and clutching an umbrella.

Another clip shows the man and woman standing outside a coffee shop near Block 110 Yishun Ring Road with the woman still held at knifepoint as a group of officers confronted him.

Responding to a call for assistance at 7.36am, the police said they disarmed the man and arrested him at the scene. 

The 60-year-old woman suffered minor injuries but refused to be taken to the hospital, they said.A knife was seized as a case exhibit. Early investigations showed the man and woman did not know each other, the police added.

Stallholders at the coffee shop later told TODAY that the woman works as a cleaner somewhere else.

Police investigations are under way.