POLICE, including firearms officers and several vehicles blocked a busy Darlington road last night.

Officers reportedly swooped in on the Woodland Road and Bondgate area just outside the Majestic Theatre in Darlington, where several police vans were on the scene.

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

Read more: Armed police cordon off busy Darlington road amid emergency incident

Businesses in the area said that trade had been affected for at least two hours, including a curry houe which was unable to take or deliver orders during the cordon.

Reports last night suggested the incident was centred around the area of Bondgate Mini Market and Kebab Grill, although police are yet to confirm the full circumstances.

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."

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

In a statement on Facebook, the owner of a nearby takeaway known as Akbar The Great, said the incident was originally only meant to last “15 minutes” according to police.

They said: “As you may be aware a major incident happened on our road. When the incident started off, the police assured me they would be done within 15 minutes hopefully.

“This proceeded to last 2 hours. This matter was beyond my control. No one was allowed to enter or leave the restaurant.

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“Now more than loss of earnings on a busy Saturday night, I am deeply upset for being unable to provide my regular service to my customers and for being unable to maintain our high standards due to a situation which we had no control over and was misinformed repeatedly.

"Also some people abused my drivers and waiters over the phone for some late orders for a situation that was beyond our control.

“Abuse of our staff will NEVER be tolerated whatever the situation. Whatever happened to being kind?

“Thank you to the customers who were understanding about the situation.

“Also thank you to the lovely people who have private messaged us asking about our safety whilst the incident was ongoing. Much appreciated. Sorry for the rant.”

There have been some unconfirmed reports that an arrest has been made by Police after the incident.

Read more: Police searching forest for missing woman say she is now safe thanks to member of public

The Northern Echo has contacted Durham Constabulary for a statement regarding the incident

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