THERE is a heavy police presence in a County Durham town centre following an alleged armed robbery this morning.

Officers swooped on Stanley just before 11am this morning.

The Northern Echo understands that an area of the front street in Stanley was cordoned off following the incident at a branch of Hays Travel.

Witnesses say a National Police Air Support helicopter was hovering over the town centre and has recently moved to the Shield Row Park area.

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A man who works at a nearby premises said: “Apparently someone ran into Hays with an axe and ran out with a bag.

“There have been police all over the place ever since, some of them look like firearms officers in helmets and balaclavas.”

A woman from a neighbouring property said: “There has been a helicopter circling for ages, armed response officers driving around and part of the street near where it happened cordoned off.

“They seemed to move from the high street to near Shield Row Park as apparently that’s where they think he has gone, the helicopter is still hovering over that area now and there’s loads of police presence in that area.

“I’ve not heard of anyone being hurt thankfully, but it must be a shock.”

Durham police have been contacted for a comment.

 

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