POLICE responded after reports of a man armed with a shotgun in Darlington last night.

Six police vehicles were called to Oakhurst Road, near to the town's Memorial Hospital around 10.30pm.

However, on arrival they found the man had an air rifle and that no offence had been committed.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Police said calls had come from several members of the public. It was described as a false alarm, with good intent.

"There was a report of a male with a firearm and officers have traced him, located said firearm which was an air rifle. There has been no offences," she said.

Armed officers were involved in the incident.

"Obviously, we play it safe and get everyone there we need," the spokeswoman added. "It has turned out to be something not quite as bad.

"Several members of the public thought they saw a shotgun and it wasn't one.

"Armed officers were in attendance but there was no need to draw their weapons."