POLICE closed part of the A1 after stopping a car whose occupants were wanted in connection with an alleged firearms incident.

"At 5pm, on Wednesday, August 12, police received a report of a disturbance at an address in the Wardley area of Gateshead," said a spokesman for Northumbria Police.

"A vehicle, whose occupants were believed to have been involved in the incident, was subsequently stopped on the A1 and three men, aged 54, 43 and 41 were arrested on suspicion of a firearms-related offence. All three are helping police with enquiries.

"There was some disruption and a temporary closure of the A1 southbound near Chester-le-Street roundabout to facilitate the arrests."

Any witnesses to the disturbance are asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 818 12/08/15 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.