A MAN armed with a samurai sword and baseball bat had to be coaxed out of a house by police after he was believed to have assaulted a woman.

Police were called to Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, County Durham late last night after reports of a woman being assaulted in the street.

A 35-year-old man suspected of being involved, had locked himself in a house, armed with the weapons.

The street was cordoned off and a police negotiator was called shortly after 3.30am.

The man gave himself up peacefully and was arrested for assault and criminal damage.

The 22-year-old victim was treated at Darlington Memorial Hospital, but she was not seriously injured and has since been sent home.