TWO off-duty policeman thought to be trained to use firearms were arrested after a disturbance at a busy city centre nightspot.

The two officers from the Cumbria force were taken into custody in Durham City on Thursday night.

The pair, from Cumbria’s Tactical Support Group, were on a night out with colleagues. They are believed to have been in the area on a training course at the County Durham force’s training facilities.

It is believed that the pair were arrested by local officers following an incident at the Bishops Mill pub in the Walkergate complex, Claypath.

It is thought that trouble developed with doorstaff at the popular venue after people were told off for dancing on tables and singing rude songs.

They were held in at Durham City police station for several hours before being released on bail pending further inquiries.

It is not thought that any County Durham officers were involved in the incident that led to the arrests.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said on Saturday night: "We can confirm that two off-duty police officers from Cumbria Constabulary were arrested on suspicion of public order offences following a disturbance at the Bishops Mill in Walkergate in Durham City on Thursday night, November 5.

"They were in custody in Durham City police station for several hours before being released on police bail pending further enquiries.

"Cumbria Constabulary has been informed and is assisting us in the investigation.’’ No-one was said to be available for comment at the venue, part of the J D Wetherspoon group, yesterday.

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