A MAJOR investigation is underway after a man suspected of brandishing a handgun in a town centre was shot by armed police.

The 23-year-old was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with a gunshot wound to the arm following the shooting in Bishop Auckland on Friday morning.

He was later released from hospital and arrested.

The drama started when a man walked into Cockton Hill Club in the town and was allegedly spotted with a gun.

He had asked for a drink and when he was refused turned and left.

He was then said to have got into a taxi which was followed by police along Etherley Lane after the alarm was raised.

When it stopped at a set of temporary traffic lights police leapt into action.

Witnesses say the taxi was surrounded by police cars and a stand-off ensued between themselves and the man in the taxi.

The taxi driver was still in the vehicle, but managed to escape.

It is understood police shouted at the passenger to get out and gave him numerous warnings before a single shot was fired at him.

It is believed he was hit in the arm.

A witness said the man continued to struggle, even when placed on a stretcher.

He suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Durham Police have called in the Independent Office for Police Conduct and an investigation has been launched.

In a statement issued during the afternoon the force said: "A criminal investigation is underway after a man was shot by an armed police officer.

"A man in his 20s was taken to hospital following this morning’s incident in Bishop Auckland, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"Police were called to the town at 10.46am after reports that a man had been seen in the area with a firearm.

"During the ensuing operation, a shot was fired by an armed officer and a suspect was taken to hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm.

"The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been informed of the incident.

"Police would like to thank the people of Bishop Auckland for their patience during the ongoing investigation.

"Woodhouse Lane has been closed between the junction with Etherley Lane and the roundabout at Rockingham Drive to allow for investigation at the scene and is likely to remain closed for several more hours. Local diversions are in place."

Chief inspector Stephen Ball, added: “Obviously, this is a serious incident and the public would rightly expect a thorough investigation.

“We are fully co-operating with the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident and we would like to reassure residents that there is no wider threat to the public.

“We would like to thank residents for their support and patience while the investigation continues”.

Harry Ellison, chairman of Cockton Hill Working Men's Club, told The Northern Echo: "A man came in at about 10.40am and asked for a double whisky.

"We told him we were closed. He then went across to Gill’s off licence and then came out and got into what looked like a taxi or minibus.

The Northern Echo:

"A police van was driving down the road so we flagged it down and told the officer what had happened."

Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town Sam Zair said he was shocked by the incident.

He said: “It’s just disappointing that incidents like this happen on your own doorstep and it’s just not something you expect to happen.

The Northern Echo:

“I just want to thank the armed response from the police which has been so quick and responsive; it’s just shocking but we have a marvellous police force.”

He added: “There’s just been too many incidents like this in the town in the last few weeks.”

IOPC regional director Miranda Biddle said: “Our investigators have visited the scene and attended the post incident procedures. What we do know, at this time, is that the man was in possession of what appeared to be a firearm when he was stopped by police; a police officer fired their weapon, the man was injured and treated in hospital. What appears to be a non-police issue firearm was recovered from the scene.

“We will now begin the process of looking at the circumstances of the shooting. Over the coming days we will identify key evidence, such as if there is any body worn video of the incident. We will also be analysing the initial accounts from the officers involved and we welcome their cooperation.”

  • Reporting by Catherine Priestley, Katie MacFarlane and Lizzie Anderson