ARMED police descended on a North East street this morning – causing panic among residents that live there and sparking the question about their presence there.
The specialist officers were dispatched to Chester Road in Sunderland at around 9am this morning (May 18) – leaving people wondering why their street had become a crime scene, as the Northumbria Police team closed of the A-road.
Having now opened the road, the police force has lifted the lid on why armed police were necessary at the scene earlier today, and why some homes temporarily lost power.
Read more: Live updates as Chester Road blocked in Sunderland; police on scene
The armed police were all part of an operation to disrupt drug-related activity in Sunderland.
During the incident, Northumbria Police confirmed that a 37-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug.
They have also provided a statement to The Northern Echo, which reads: “Shortly before 9am today (Wednesday) officers executed a warrant at an address in The Westlands area of Sunderland.
“The planned strike followed intelligence that suggested drug-related criminality may be operating from the property.
“Officers gained entry and located a large-scale cannabis farm. A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug and he remains in police custody.
The statement added: “A section of Chester Road was closed as a precaution during the warrant, while as a safety precaution, electricity at the address in question had to be switched off which also impacted a small number of other homes in the area.
“Power has since been restored and the road has reopened. We would like to thank the community for their cooperation and patience throughout the incident.”
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