ARMED police tackled a man with a crossbow on a town centre street packed with weekend drinkers and families on their way to fireworks displays.

Duke Street, in Darlington, was sealed off for about 30 minutes on Saturday night while armed police disarmed the man.

Officers were called at about 6.45pm, after the man was seen with a crossbow in the doorway of the Atlantic club.

Startled shop staff and customers were warned to stay indoors as armed police swooped, eventually confronting the man in adjoining Barnard Street.

Inspector Alan Watson, of Durham Police, said: "A man was seen sitting in Atlantic's doorway with a crossbow. The area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of members of the public and to stop the man getting out.

"In these situations there is the option, if there is an immediate danger, to shoot.

"I feel we should recognise the value of the firearms officers' actions in this potentially serious situation."

Witnesses told The Northern Echo of their alarm as events unfolded.

Sandy Douglas, owner of Douglas News, said: "The armed response unit came and no one knew what was going on.

"The street was really busy with it being Bonfire Night. Lots of people were out, there were groups of kids all over. It caused quite a stir."

A barman in the neighbouring Stadia bar said people were watching from inside in disbelief.

"The first I knew was when this big police van pulled up outside, and police with guns got out," he said.

"Our customers were all watching, wondering what on earth was going on. It's not something you see very often."

* Anthony James Howard, 46, from Darlington, has been charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

He will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on November 15.