Police said a man was arrested after a mother reported finding a stranger armed with a hammer inside her home in southwest London, Ontario.

At around 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, police said a man had forcibly entered a house on Singleton Avenue, just south of Southdale Road West.

At the time of the alleged burglary, a mother was inside with her children.

Police say the mother claims to have seen the man in possession of a hammer. She then contacted the police to provide a description of the man.

Several police officers were dispatched to the area, but police said the suspect fled before his arrival.

The suspect was found at his nearby home, but the man refused to come out, police said.

A search warrant was obtained and the police were able to get inside at around 3 p.m.

A 30-year-old Londoner has been charged with four offenses, including intentional break and enter, possession of a weapon and resisting arrest.

He was due in court on Friday.