POLICE hunting armed burglars in Darlington told residents and business owners to lock their doors and stay inside.

People along the town's Yarm Road were kept behind closed doors as armed officers swarmed across the area on Thursday afternoon.

The major response came following calls to the police from concerned witnesses who believed a house was being burgled by men with weapons.

Nearby Heathfield Primary School was put under ‘lock down’ as roads were closed and pedestrians and traffic diverted from the area for almost an hour.

Full details of the incident are yet to be released but police have moved quickly to reassure the worried community that there is no risk to the public.

Speaking directly after the incident, which began at about 2.30pm, Sergeant Simon Cowen said: “We have a number of statements to take and nobody in custody at this stage.

“We would like to reassure the public that there is nothing to worry about in Yarm Road.”

A statement issued by Durham Constabulary said Yarm Road had been closed from 2.30pm until 3.20pm, at which time officers were satisfied no weapons were present.

Lisa Bainbridge, acting head of Heathfield School, said officers had advised staff to keep children inside for their own safety.

She said: “That happened at about 3pm and our school day finishes at 3.15pm.

“It was not that long after the day was due to finish, maybe 15 or 20 minutes, that we got the call to say it was safe to allow the children to leave.”

Rumours of an attempted shooting in the area have been denied by officers, who say their investigation is at an early stage but no weapons are believed to have been discharged.

Concerned residents said the incident, which happened in broad daylight, had left them scared.

One woman said: “You don’t expect this around here, it’s usually very peaceful with no trouble.”

Hours after the incident, police officers were still present at the house believed to have been targeted.

A man present at the property was unwilling to comment when approached by The Northern Echo.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.