POLICE arrested two brothers following a three-hour siege after neighbours reported seeing a man brandishing a Samurai sword.

A police spokesman said officers were called to Tyne Avenue, in Consett, County Durham, at 2.30pm on Monday, following a report of a disturbance.

He said: "Police were alerted to what was a disturbance - a shouting match in one of the gardens.

"The disturbance spread to the street where two men were seen, one of whom had a sword in his possession.

"Police officers who were sent to the scene included members of the dog section and baton gunners (using plastic ammunition). They immediately put a containment operation in place and sealed off the street."

The spokesman said the area remained sealed for three hours, after one man was arrested in the house and the other nearby.

He said: "One of the residents in the street had been verbally abused but nobody was injured."

A 31-year-old man and a 15-year-old youth were arrested on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon and affray.

The two were held overnight and released on police bail yesterday morning.

The spokesman said police took possession of a black-handled 27in sword.

Inquiries are continuing.