Business owners unable to get into their shops have reacted with shock after an overnight "very significant" disturbance on a residential street saw it cordoned off by police. 

The corner of Gladstone Street and Greenbank Road, near Darlington town centre, has been cordoned off this morning (Thursday, May 9), after unconfirmed reports of shouting and disturbance late last night. 

Spots of blood are visible on the pavement of Greenbank Road.

Follow our live blog on the incident here for live updates. 

The Northern Echo: Gary Wardell from Barry’s Barbers, who turned up this morning to find his business had been cordoned off.Gary Wardell from Barry’s Barbers, who turned up this morning to find his business had been cordoned off. (Image: Andy White)

Businesses behind the cordon are currently unable to open, and have been told by police that the cordon is unlikely to be lifted until around noon today. 

Nigel Dowson, owner of Jigsaw hairdressers on Gladstone Street said: "Something very significant has clearly happened.

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"We’ve been told we’re not able to open the business until 11 or 12 at the earliest. It’s very frustrating and disruptive but we obviously need to abide by what the police are telling us."

Gary Wardell, owner of Barry’s Barbers on Gladstone Street added: "I got a phone call at about quarter to eight this morning to say the street had been cordoned off from Greenbank Road to past the barbers shop.

"We’ve been told not to open until 11 or 12. I’ve no idea what’s gone on, but we can’t open until all of this is cleared up."