A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences after armed police surrounded a house in the North-East.

Officers attended Front Street in Castleside, near Consett, County Durham at 2.30pm this afternoon. (Friday, February 7)

Police said it followed information received which led them to become concerned for the safety of the occupants of the property.

Armed response units along with local officers and dog handlers were deployed and the A68 was closed in both directions from Hillcrest to the crossroads.

The incident lasted around two hours and 78-year-old woman was led away from the property.

A 52-year-old man was arrested for firearms offences and is currently in police custody.

Superintendant Kerrin Smith said: “This incident was dealt with quickly and in a co-ordinated and controlled manner and at no point were any members of the public at risk.

“I would like to once again reassure the community of Castleside that this was an isolated incident, the two people involved are thought to be known to each other and there is no need for anyone to be alarmed.”