NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock at seeing a couple led away from their home by armed police looking for a gunman.

Officers descended on a house in Beaconsfield Street, Darlington, on Tuesday evening in response to reports that a man with a gun was inside.

Officers sealed off the street in the Denes area of the town as the police spotter plane circled overhead.

Neighbour Craig Wood said the couple, who are in their twenties, were watching television when they heard police shouting through the window.

He said: "She came out first and was led away by the police, and he followed with his hands up in the air. Officers immediately handcuffed him and took him to the van. He was questioned and then released."

A police spokesman said officers responded to information that there was an armed man inside the house, which turned out to be inaccurate.

He said: "We were faced with a dilemma as to how to deal with the information we received and what response to take.

"Safety had to be our main objective and so we erred on the side of caution and carried out an appropriate firearms response."

He said the couple were innocent and further inquiries relating to the incident were being made.

People living in the street said they had looked out of their windows when they heard the police and were surprised to see the male resident being handcuffed.

Mr Wood said: "He's a good lad and didn't deserve this. It is just lucky their two children weren't in the house at the time."

The couple, who have not been named, moved into the property about four months ago and are expecting a baby in the near future.