A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill after allegedly threatening members of the public with a machete.

Officers also recovered a samurai sword, a club and a knife from the scene of his arrest.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in a Gateshead street this afternoon.

Officers were called to Litchfield Terrace in Winlaton after a member of the public reported seeing a man walking down the street carrying a machete at just before 5pm.

It was reported the man walked past several business premises in the area, causing a disturbance and threatening members of the public, before going into ‘BV and Sons' household goods shop which had two women inside.

Armed officers attended the incident and entered the shop to protect the two women.

Officers used a Taser to safely detain the man due to the threat he posed. Police recovered a samurai sword, a club and a knife from the scene.

One of the two women in the shop suffered head injuries, which are not believed to be serious, and received treatment at the scene from ambulance staff. The second woman was uninjured but very distressed by the incident.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Enquiries are ongoing and there are additional officers in the area to speak to local people and answer any concerns they may have.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 707 of 12/04/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.