Police negotiators are on the scene of an incident in County Durham that has seen a man, who is believed to be carrying a knife, barricade himself into a house.

Emergency services were called to Auckland Terrace in Shildon at around 3pm, following reports that a man had entered a property and barricaded himself into the loft space of the house. 

Police and fire service personnel are on the scene of the incident, and a roadblock has been put in place to allow emergency services to work at the scene.

Specialist police remain at the scene at the time of writing and have confirmed that a trained negotiator is on the scene. 

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A cordon has been put around the house, with Durham Police confirming that the negotiator is actively communicating with a 28-year-old man who is in the property. 

Auckland Terrace is closed in both directions and people are asked to avoid the area if possible. 

A Durham Police spokesperson added: "We would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we work at the scene."

The Durham Police statement in full

Police remain at the scene of an ongoing incident in Shildon.

Officers were called to a house in Auckland Terrace shortly after 3pm today following reports that a man had entered a property and barricaded himself in the loft space.

There are concerns that the man may be in possession of a knife.

A containment has been put around the house and trained negotiators are communicating with the 28-year-old man at the property.

The road is closed in both directions and people are asked to avoid the area if possible.