Police and firefighters in Hazmat suits are tonight at a property on a North East housing estate following the discovery of an 'unknown substance'.
Emergency services converged on a home in Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton at 4.30 today (Tuesday, February 6) and sealed off a property near the junction with Lullington Crescent.
At one stage there are two fire appliances, seven fire brigade vehicles, along with several police patrol cars and riot vans and ambulances.
Police confirmed they were responding after the discovery of an "unknown substance" on the property. And they stressed there was no risk to the community.
Two tents were erected in the back garden of the premises as firefighters dressed in yellow Hazmat suits were seen.
A short while later police officers in blue Hazmat suits entered the house itself to carry out their investigations.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Cleveland Police are supporting Northumbria Police with an ongoing investigation following the discovery of an unknown substance in Brading Court, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton.
“The local community will see an increased police presence in the area, as officers who are experts in handling substances visit the property.
"The public should be reassured there is no risk to the community’s safety.”
An eyewitness who does not wish to be named said: "They have erected two tents in the back garden.
"Six police officers, who are fully protected in blue Hazmat suits, with masks, gloves and shoe coverings have arrived.
"You can see flashes coming from the house. One of the officers went in with a camera and he's taking photos.
"They were stood at the door and opened the door then stood back and one with the camera entered and took pictures before the others entered the property.
"People in the neighbourhood are confused and do not what is going on."
According to one resident a tent had been erected in the front garden of the house yesterday (Monday) and the house had been under guard throughout the evening and today - until the huge emergency response.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We are supporting our police colleagues as part of an ongoing investigation at an address in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton.
"We have dispatched two resources from our Hazardous Area Response Team to be available on standby if required.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “As part of an ongoing investigation, an address in the Ingleby Barwick area of Stockton was being searched.
“This led to the discovery of unknown substances and as a precaution, officers are conducting further checks at the property.
“There is believed to be no wider risk to the public and enquiries are ongoing.”
At about 10.30pm officers were seen leaving the house with a box and placing items into a bucket.
The ambulances and fire appliances then left the scene, while police remained.
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