ARMED police officers surrounded a house in Darlington for more than three hours last night after being called to a firearms alert.

More than 20 officers were called to Brougham Street, in the North Road area of the town, and cordoned off the street while a large crowd of residents looked on.

Last night, police confirmed that two people were helping them with their inquiries, but said further details would not be available until later today.

Residents on Brougham Street were ordered to stay in their homes while the incident was ongoing.

Armed officers hid behind cars, but no shots were fired and nobody is believed to have been injured.

The siege finally ended at about 8pm when two people were taken to Darlington police station for questioning.

Chief Inspector Barry Knevitt, of Darlington Police, said last night: "The incident lasted approximately three hours and ended peacefully, which, as always, is my main concern.

"If no one is hurt, then myself and my team of officers have done their job.

"I can confirm that two people are currently helping us with our inquiries, but it may be until later tomorrow before we have the full picture."

Last night's incident occurred just yards from where the battered body of Justine Harrison was found in January 2000.

The 23-year-old later died after being brutally attacked and mutilated near her home after a night out in Darlington. Her teenage killer John Rowland was jailed for life for her murder.