Armed police have been spotted in a standoff with a man who allegedly attacked fellow officers.
Officers with guns were seen outside a terrace home on Coronation Avenue, in Shildon, where a man in his fifties had barricaded himself inside.
Durham Police said officers were called over concerns for a man’s welfare around 11.20am this morning (October 7), but on arrival a man is believed to have attacked them before locking himself in a house.
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: ANNA BARNES)
Specialist negotiators were called and the street cordoned off at both ends as police deal with the incident.
Armed officers remain outside the home as of 3.45pm.
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Coronation Avenue in Shildon (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Crowds of concerned and curious residents gathered on neighbouring Fir Tree where police tape blocked the street.
The Northumbria Police dog unit was also called in to help.
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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.”
Coronation Avenue in Shildon. (Image: ANNA BARNES)
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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.
"We dispatched an ambulance crew, a clinical team leader and a crew from the hazardous area response team. The incident is ongoing.”