POLICE sealed off an area of a North-East town for more than three hours yesterday to deal with a man who had threatened to harm himself with a Stanley knife.

Armed officers and negotiators were called to a house in Corporation Road, off North Road, Darlington.

A 20-year-old man, who is believed to be from the Northumberland area, had locked himself inside the property and refused to speak with police.

Inspector Graham Milne, from Darlington police, said: “We didn’t want to force our way in as we believed he would have harmed himself. We cordoned the area around his house off because he was becoming more and more agitated as people walked past.

“It all came to a close at 11.30am. He calmed down and began to comply with us.

“He is in custody and we are dealing with a matter for Northumberland Police on an outstanding warrant.”

Insp Milne added: “Our main concern is his welfare.”

The man, who has only been in the Darlington area for a number of days, was examined at the scene by paramedics. Despite some minor injuries, he was passed as fit and was placed in police custody.