A man has been left with a 'serious' leg injury following an incident earlier today on a North East street.

Northumbria Police confirmed they received a report of concern from the ambulance service for the welfare of a man in the Newminster Close area of Houghton-le-Spring at 11:25am on Wednesday (September 6).

Officers said they found a man who had suffered a serious but non-life threatening injury to his leg.

They said the injury is believed to have been caused by a "homemade device."

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They also confirmed he had been taken to hospital.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "At 11.25am today (Wednesday) officers were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of concern for the welfare of a man in the Newminster Close area of Houghton-le-Spring.

“Officers attended the scene and found a man who had suffered a serious but non-life threatening injury to his leg. He has since been taken to hospital.

“Upon carrying out enquiries at the address, officers located what appeared to be a homemade device that caused the injury.

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“A full investigation has been launched into the discovery, and as a precaution, officers are being supported by bomb disposal experts in order to ensure the device is safely removed."

A NEAS spokesperson said: ""We received a call at 10:56 to concerns for the welfare of a resident at a private address on Newminster Close in Houghton le Spring. 

"We sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, a rapid response paramedic, an emergency ambulance crew and a clinical team leader. 

"Police also attended the scene. We took one patient to hospital."

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Police currently remain at the scene and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to an officer on duty.

The Northern Echo have contacted North East Ambulance Service for more information on the incident.