White-suited investigators are probing an incident in a County Durham village after armed police stormed a property. 

Officers descended on West View, in Esh Winning, on Wednesday morning to execute a “pre-planned” warrant at around 10am. 

Residents reported how a property was put “under siege” after being surrounded by gun-toting cops - with pictures showing armed officers dressed in black beside a door. 

The Northern Echo:

Durham Constabulary has not yet released any details regarding the nature of the incident, or whether any arrests have been made.

However, the force said officers would be “present at the scene for some time.”

Witnesses reported that the back street of West View was blocked off due to the heavy police response, with activity focusing on a commercial property.

Officers were also spotted using drones in the area. 

Blue and white police tape has since been erected at the back of the property, with pictures from the afternoon showing officers standing beside a cordon.

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Crime scene investigators and several police vehicles remain within the taped-off area. 

Inspector Dave Clarke said: “Police have executed a pre-planned search warrant at a premises in Esh Winning this morning.

“Officers are expected to be present at the scene for some time and we appreciate residents’ patience while our search teams carry out their work. We will provide further updates in due course.”

The Northern Echo is awaiting further comment from the force.