A HUNT was under way last night for a man who had made serious threats and was rumoured to be carrying a gun.

Armed police raided homes in Middlesbrough on Monday evening to try to find the man, who was last night still at large.

However, police moved to reassure locals, saying the risk to the public was “very low” and that the threats had been against specific, named people known to the man.

They said he was wanted in connection with a domesticrelated matter.

Despite raids across the North Ormesby area, with road closures and a police helicopter search, the fugitive was not found. Officers searched a property in Beaumont Street while crowds, some in their nightwear, gathered to watch.

A police spokeswoman said: “The incident involves named individuals and there is no reason to suggest that members of the general public are at risk. Our priorities were to apprehend and arrest this person, to maximise the safety of the public and to bring the matter to a swift and peaceful conclusion.”

She said a number of officers were involved, including armed officers – routine in such cases.

One unnamed woman said a house near a hair salon in North Ormesby was surrounded by armed police with bullet-proof shields before a man was told to come out with his hands on his head, followed by his family, before officers and police dogs searched the property. Nothing was found and the family returned inside.

Inquiries were ongoing last night.

Police would not release further details about the man and have not issued a description.