The man at the centre of a stand-off in which a police officer was shot in the face was described by neighbours as “eccentric” and “out there”.

The neighbours also claimed the man’s house was “booby trapped”, reported News24’s Tammy Petersen from the scene. But the police’s Captain FC van Wyk would not confirm this.

Police have cordoned off the street, said Petersen. The situation started when a resident in Hazendal, Athlone, called in a complaint to law enforcement officials that her landlord’s dogs had attacked her, Van Wyk told News24.

The South African Police Service responded to the call at around 18:30 on Tuesday, and determined that the dogs should be removed.

On attempting to remove the dogs from the premises, shots were fired by the owner, who had barricaded himself in the house.

A 27-year-old police constable was shot in the face, and was taken to hospital, Van Wyk said. He is in a serious condition. The man has refused to leave his house or release his estimated 13 dogs, Van Wyk confirmed.

“Our negotiators, along with one of the man’s family members are currently trying to convince him to come out,” Van Wyk told News24.

Suspicions were raised that the man may have committed suicide after the shooting, but Van Wyk confirmed there is still movement in the house.

It is understood the man has been treated for mental illness in the past. News24