ARMED police have swooped on a County Durham town to respond to an ongoing incident.

Officers blocked off Front Street in Chester-le-Street while responding to the incident.

Several police cars have been spotted in the surrounding area, with officers urging passersby to stay away. 

Police have as of yet not confirmed the reasoning behind the deployment.

The Northern Echo: The road closure currently in place.The road closure currently in place.

Front Street was closed to all vehicles and pedestrians both ways between Cooperative Street and Station Road. It has now reopened. 

A police helicopter has also been spotted in the area.

Durham Constabulary has been contacted for comment.

The Northern Echo: Police have blocked off the road. Police have blocked off the road.

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