A BUSY road in Darlington has been cordoned off by armed police this evening, the Echo understands. 

The ongoing incident is reportedly happening on Woodland Road just outside the Majestic Theatre, where several police vans are on the scene. 

Read more: Police and ambulance on scene after alleged crash near busy Asda roundabout

A cordon is in place from Seaton Leng Funeral Directors to the roundabout outside of the Majestic.

Reports suggest the incident seems to be centred around the area of Bondgate Mini Market and Kebab Grill, although police have yet to confirm the full circumstances.

According to unconfirmed reports on social media, a suspect was allegedly making threats with a knife.

One eye-witness said the incident was ongoing from at least 6.30pm and was still ongoing after 8pm.

An anonymous eyewitness at the scene said: "There are several police cars and officers turning vehicles and people away at the cordon before they can get close to the incident.

"I could see they were letting staff from the Indian restaurant out to hand takeawy food to a delivery driver."

Someone at the scene said they believe it was a firearms incident, but this is yet to be confirmed. 

Some reports have revealed that a police helicopter has attended the scene. 

*UPDATED * The incident is now over and the cordon on Woodland Road is no longer in place, armed police and police vehicles have left the scene. 

Durham Constabularly has been contacted by The Northern Echo for an official statement. 

-----

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054