Updated: 9.45pm

One of two men arrested after a couple were held hostage in Cork has been charged over the incident. 

Gardaí were called the house on St Mary's Avenue just before 5am this morning.

A Taser, pepper spray and flash bangs were deployed after armed officers forcefully entered the building shortly after 8am. 

A garda spokesperson said the woman being held hostage could be heard from an upstairs bedroom calling for help.

Her partner also shouted from an upstairs window on the second floor.

The downstairs front door was barricaded from the inside with what appeared to be a couch, gardaí said.

Emergency services attended the scene, which was cordoned off as negotiators tried to make contact with the two men inside the house. 

The couple, who are in their 50s, were hospitalised with injuries believed to have been sustained before gardaí were made aware of the incident.

Two suspects, both in their 20s, were arrested and detained at Mayfield garda station.

One has since been charged and remanded in custody to appear back at Cork District Court this Thursday, September 22nd.

The other remains in custody.