A MAN is due to appear in court next month after barricading himself into his former partner's home.

Andrew Gourlay, 31, from Newton Aycliffe, is charged with criminal damage and affray after barricading himself into the house in Dale Road, Barnard Castle.

The incident began on Friday at around 3.45pm.

Police closed off the road after Gourlay allegedly broke into the house and began causing damage to the property.

Police from surrounding areas were called to the incident, and shortly after 5pm they raided the house wearing protective armour after Gourlay continued barricading the premises with furniture and allegedly tried to harm himself with broken glass and cause further damage.

Acting Inspector Bill Dutton said: "He was later charged with criminal damage and affray and released on bail with conditions not to enter Barnard Castle and not to interfere with prosecution witnesses."

He is due to appear at Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court on November 10 at 5pm.