Residents on a street descended on by police and CSI last night have spoken of their shock after reports of an assault on their doorsteps.

Homeowners in the West Lane area of Bishop Auckland, County Durham spoke of their shock after their neighbourhood was swarmed with officers.

Emergency services were called shortly before 6.30pm to reports of an assault, the air ambulance service confirmed.

The Northern Echo: Officers were working at the scene late last night.Officers were working at the scene late last night. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

A large cordon was erected, and blue forensic tent put up outside one property where crime scene investigators in white suits were seen working into the early hours.

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The cordon remains in place with officers stationed at the scene this morning.

The Northern Echo:

One shocked local told the Echo: “There were so many police cars here last night.

“People are saying that there were men fighting with knives on the green. You hear about it but it’s horrible to happen so close.”

Another resident added: “I heard a commotion and angry voices and I thought it might just be some angry young-uns.

“Now we know what happened I worry they might have been involved.”

We have contacted Durham Police for more information.

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A Great North Air Ambulance spokesperson confirmed one of its land ambulance vehicles attended alongside the North East Ambulance Service. The spokesperson said: “Yesterday our critical care team was activated at 6.28pm to reports of an assault in Bishop Auckland.

“We had two doctors and paramedic respond on a rapid response vehicle and they arrived on scene at 6.48pm.”

More to follow