TWO people have been arrested after a man suffered serious injuries in an alleged firearm incident.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday we received a report of concern for a male at an address on Dorset Avenue, Birtley.

"Officers attended the scene but the occupant, a 26-year-old male, had already been taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries consistent with a firearm."

Two men, aged 64 and 57, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm and remain in police custody.

The area remains cordoned off while police carry out inquiries.

The spokesperson added: "Officers will continue to carry out enquiries at the scene and extra reassurance  patrols will be carried out in the wider area.

"Anyone with concerns is asked to make themselves known. There is not believed to be any wider threat to the public at this time."

A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I don't know what happened, but there were armed response officers and an ambulance here last night.

"The armed officers were here for a few hours."

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a private address in Birtley at 7.19pm.

"We dispatched a double-crewed ambulance, a specialist paramedic and a doctor.

"They were all stood down as the patient made their own way to hospital."

Anyone who has any information about this incident should email 601@northumbria.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 903 of March 21, 2020.