MOTORISTS were warned of the prolonged closure of a road connecting neighbouring villages as officers were dealing with what was termed, “a police incident” today.

The closure of Station Lane, linking Pelton with Pelton Fell, west of Chester-le-Street, came into force from shortly before 5am on Saturday.

But, as inquiries into the incident continued, the Durham force confirmed at mid-morning the road was expected to remain closed, “for some time”.

The road runs through a small residential area as well as being surrounded by farm fields. There is also a cycle/walkway running parallel.