POLICE say a 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a disturbance in Darlington last night saw armed police and vehicles blocking a busy road.

Officers reportedly responded to an incident at Bondgate Tavern at around 6pm after reports a man had been seen with a knife.

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A 42-year-old man was arrested a short time later and has since been charged with a section 4 public order, possession of a bladed article in a public place and obstructing a police officer.

Durham Constabulary say the man remains in custody today and is expected to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court tomorrow on January 10.

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “We appreciate the disruption caused to the public and businesses whilst officers dealt with the incident and thank them for their patience.”

The incident saw officers reportedly swoop in on the Woodland Road and Bondgate area just outside the Majestic Theatre in Darlington, where several police vans were on the scene.

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

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 last night 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."

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

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