A MAN who was arrested following a stand-off in Darlington has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Police were called to a property in Stockton Road at 7.30pm on Friday following reports that a man was armed with a hedge strimmer.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said on Monday: "Armed officers attended the scene and a cordon was put in place around the property to protect members of the public.

"Specially trained negotiators worked at the scene for around four hours and the 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray, common assault and criminal damage.

"He has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act and enquiries remain ongoing."

The road was closed off for four hours with paramedics, firefighters and gas engineers on the scene throughout.

Some residents were evacuated from their homes and took shelter in the nearby Highland Laddie pub.