POLICE today appealed for information from witnesses after an election-night firearms scare at the home of the North-East's leading rugby club.

A report was received that a youth had entered Newcastle Falcons' Kingston Park clubhouse carrying what was believed to have been a small hand gun, at 9.24pm last night.

A Northumbria force spokeswoman said today that it is not, as yet, known if it was genuine or an imitation weapon.

By the time officers reached the premises, in Kingston Park, Newcastle, the youth had left the scene.

There were no reports of anyone being injured or any damage being caused to the clubhouse.

The youth, aged between 14 and 18, was wearing a hooded top bearing a brand name across the front, a dark jacket and dark track-suit bottoms.

Superintendent Peter Farrell said: "No-one was hurt in this incident and I would like to thank the staff and customers for their assistance and patience.

"Please be assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway into what is a rare event.

"While some witnesses have described hearing a bang at this time no damage has been found and, therefore, it's likely it wasn't a firearm.

"While we don't know at this stage whether it was a genuine firearm, the safety of the public is our priority and we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible."

Among those affected by the incident were Liberal Democrat party officials in the Newcastle North constituency who were detained in their offices in the building, before attending their local count, while police carried out their search of the premises.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (03456) 043043, extension 69191.