Forensic officers at serious incident in Blakes, Newton Aycliffe

Emergency services were called to Blakes Sports Bar and Lounge on Beveridge Road in Newton Aycliffe at around 7.35pm following reports of an 'incident'.

Police, ambulance crews and the air ambulance descended on the scene, with the North East Ambulance Service confirming that a man has been taken to James Cook Hospital in 'critical condition'.

Read more: Man in critical condition after 'incident' at Blakes in Aycliffe

There is no further information on the incident available. 

Durham Police officers cordoned off the pub and scene of crime officers in white boiler esuits were seen carrying out a forensic inspection of the premises. 

Earlier, a North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said, "We received a call at 19:35 this evening (Saturday) to an incident at Blakes on Beveridge Road in Newton Aycliffe.

"We sent two emergency ambulance crews and the air ambulance and took one male patient to James Cook major trauma centre in a critical condition."

On social media, Blakes Sports Bar posted a statement confirming that it wouldn't be opening last night. 

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The post read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we won’t be open tonight. Sorry for the inconvenience."

No more details of the incident are known at this stage, and Durham Police haven't yet issued a statement. 

Durham Police have been contacted this morning for further information.