A bomb squad robot has been called in on a County Durham street and sixty homes evacuated after a suspicious item was found.
Emergency crews and army ordnance experts were called to Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, around 1pm on Tuesday (August 11).
A 100-metre cordon has been put in place while the item, believed to have been found in a garden, is investigated.
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
Pictures show a bomb disposal expert dressed in black protective clothing walking up the street, followed by a robot.
Sixty homes have been evacuated with residents directed to the nearby Louisa Centre while their street remains under cordon.
A Durham Police spokesperson said: "We currently have a cordon in place around Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, while we investigate a suspicious item.
"Around 60 homes have been evacuated, with residents being directed to The Louisa Centre, in Front Street, for assistance.
"Emergency services, including the bomb squad, are currently on scene and working as quickly as they can to assess the item.
"We are asking people to stay away from the area at this time.
"Updates will be provided as soon as possible."
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
A bomb disposal robot is also being used to assist the investigation.
(Image: PAUL WILLIS)
A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) spokesperson said: "We were called at 1.02pm today (August 11) to a police incident on Robert Terrace, Shield Row, Stanley.
"A 100-metre cordon is in place, and arrangements have been made to evacuate residents.
"One fire engine from High Handenhold is at the scene and the crew is expected to be there for some time."
A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service added: "Police requested our support for an incident in Stanley, County Durham shortly before 1pm.
"We dispatched four HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) resources, one duty officer, one tactical commander and one tactical advisor.
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"The incident is ongoing and we remain on scene."
Several road closures have been put in place, including the A6076 Station Road to Causey Road between the junctions with Bram Hill in the west and Pelaw Avenue to the east.
The closure includes Gordon Terrace and Clark Terrace.