A man has been arrested after multiple houses were evacuated by police on Saturday evening.

Specially trained officers were called to the incident on Northgate, Darlington, on August 17.

Surrounding houses were evacuated as a precaution during the incident which lasted several hours, nobody was injured.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with false imprisonment, arson with intent to endanger life, affray, public nuisance, possession of an offensive weapon with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, criminal damage, and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.

A Darlington Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to an address in Northgate, Darlington, following reports of a disturbance.

"Specially trained officers attended the incident shortly before 7pm on Saturday, August 17.

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"Surrounding houses were evacuated as a precaution during the incident which lasted several hours.

"Thankfully, no-one was injured.

"We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we were in attendance at the scene."