A MAN has been arrested after police say someone went into four pubs armed with a baseball bat and a chainsaw.

The man went into the pubs in Sea Road, Harbour View, Fulwell Road, and Queen Alexandra Road in Sunderland and made threats, according to Northumbria Police.

Officers responded and a 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incidents.

Superintendent Ged Noble said: "Between around 3.25pm and 4pm this afternoon we received reports from four pubs in Sunderland reporting a man with a baseball bat and what is believed to be a chainsaw making threats.

"We recognise that people inside the premises and indeed the general public may have been concerned, however, I'd like to reassure the community that quick action was taken by police and officers were quickly deployed. Officers will remain in the areas to offer additional reassurance to the public.

"A man has been arrested and is currently in police custody."

Enquiries are ongoing into the incident and any witnesses should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 696 020915 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.