A man in his forties was arrested after armed police swarmed a housing estate following reports of a person with a weapon.

Multiple units descended upon the Rudyard Avenue area of Stockton last night at around 6:30pm (June 16) after it was claimed a man had a weapon.

An alleged female victim was assisted at the scene by police and a man, 45, was arrested.

A Cleveland Police statement reads: "Shortly after 6.30pm last night (Sunday 16th June) police attended a report of a man and woman involved in an altercation in the Rudyard Avenue area of Stockton where it was claimed the male had a weapon.

"Officers attended the scene, safeguarded the female alleged victim and arrested a 45-year-old man who was found in possession of hand tools.

"A nearby property was subsequently searched as part of the investigation. The man remains in custody being questioned on suspicion of assault and enquiries are ongoing.

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"We would appeal for anyone with information, dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage which could assist to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number.

"Please quote ref 112867.

"If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111."