WEAPONS thought to potentially pose a risk to the general public have been sniffed out by a police dog with a nose for alleged criminal activity.

Officers called in the Cleveland Police dog unit to a report of an altercation involving a number of men believed to be in possession of weapons.

Emergency services arrived at the scene on Parliament Street, in Stockton, last night, to determine if any weapons were present in the town centre street.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place and a suspected public order offence.

Cleveland Police confirmed he remained in custody last night.

Shortly after the arrest, police dog Rocky was put to the test to locate any suspected weapons which were believed to be connected to the incident.

He successfully managed to locate some in a nearby bush.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman added: "Well done to the officers and police dog Rocky for their hard work."