ARMED police have attended a takeaway shop after reports of a man threatening workers from utility companies with a meat cleaver.

Officers from Durham Police’s firearms team attended The Rainflower Chinese restaurant on Hope Street in Crook, County Durham, at lunchtime today (May 9).

A force spokesman said they had received reports that two members of staff from separate utility companies had been threatened when they arrived at the premises to disconnect the gas and electricity.

The spokesman said: "Because there was an allegation they had been threatened with what was thought to be a meat cleaver, the police response included the use of authorised firearms officers to minimise the risk to those involved and in the neighbourhood.

"The area was contained and within a few minutes a man came out of the premises and was arrested without incident.

“He has been detained on suspicion of affray and will be interviewed later today.”