A MAN has been taken to hospital after police negotiators and firearms officers were involved in a stand-off in a County Durham street.

Officers were called to Greenside Place, in Crook, yesterday (Wednesday, March 5) after concern was expressed about the welfare of a 55-year-old man who had made threats to self-harm.

Firearms officers were called in as the occupant was thought to have access to knives and a cordon was set up around the house.

Durham Police negotiators spent several hours speaking to the man, and officers forced entry to the house at 5am today (Thursday, March 6).

The man was arrested and taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Durham as a precaution.

Chief Supt Paul Beddow, head of response for police, said: “I’m aware that this will have caused some inconvenience for local residents throughout the night and I appreciate their patience.

“The outcome was successful and I am pleased that we were able to resolve the situation peacefully and get the gentleman to hospital for the appropriate treatment.”