POLICE have confirmed they are investigating a firearms incident which has led to a road closure on a busy County Durham road. 

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to a suspected firearms incident at 12.30pm yesterday afternoon (May 18) on Watling Street, Leadgate, near Consett.

The Northern Echo: Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.

"A road closure has been put in place between Medomsley Edge crossroads and the former detention centre as well as a section of Watling Street in nearby Leadgate.

"They are expected to remain closed for some time.

"Officers are currently carrying out a number of enquires and an investigation is underway."

 

The Northern Echo: Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.

Many cars, unaware of the closure, are still coming down the B6309 and are having to turn around and find another route. 

The closure near the entrance to the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre, is about a mile from Leadgate.  

The road carries traffic down to the A694. 

Read more: Medomsley police incident: The diversion routes to avoid B6309

A police helicopter could be heard hovering nearby for about an hour in the morning. It is not clear whether this had anything to do with the Leadgate incident. 

The North East Ambulance Service said it had not been called to the Leadgate/Medomsley incident. 

The Northern Echo: Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.Police vehicles block the B6309 road in Medomsley, County Durham, in both directions today (May 19) following a suspected firearms incident Pictures: NORTH NEWS.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

 

 

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