A Shildon street has been cordoned off after a man allegedly attacked police before barricading himself inside a home.
Armed police and specialist negotiators remain on Coronation Avenue after police were called around 11.20am.
Durham Police said officers were called over concerns for a man’s welfare, but on arrival a man in his 50s is believed to have attacked officers before barricading himself inside.
A force spokesperson said: “The incident remains ongoing and specially trained officers, including negotiators, have been deployed to the scene.
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.”
The street remains cordoned off at both ends, with residents gathered on the street watching the standoff unfold.
Multiple police vans including the dog unit are also blocking the road.
One resident said: “It happened around 11.30am this morning, a man has apparently ran out of a house and hit a policeman.
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“They’ve been here all morning that’s why there’s armed police all here.
“The road has been closed all morning. I have no idea how long it will take but I could hear shouting and looks like an armed standoff.”
Nearby St John’s Primary School was placed on lockdown by police.
The school said in a statement: “Due to an ongoing incident, the police have advised the children remain in school for their safety and for the safety of parents until the matter is resolved.”
Officers from the dog squad entering a home on Coronation Avenue, (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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The school has since confirmed children can be picked up from 3pm.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident at a private address in Shildon at 12.19pm on Wednesday 7th October 2026.
"We dispatched an ambulance crew and a clinical team leader. The incident is ongoing."