Man wanted on recall to prison arrested in Darlington

Police carried out an operation on Victoria Road at just before 7.15pm on Tuesday (September 23).

A swarm of police cars and vans were seen outside the empty shop, previously known as Louie B's Boutique.

Police were seen entering the empty building on Tuesday evening.(Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: “Police were called just before 7.15pm on Tuesday (September 23) following reports of people entering a closed down shop on Victoria Road, in Darlington.

“Officers attended and arrested a 37-year-old man who was wanted on recall to prison.”

Witnesses saw police waiting outside the building, while activity could be seen in the window upstairs.

Police were seen stood outside the empty building on Tuesday evening.(Image: Newsquest)

The upstairs window was blacked out with sheets, but a light was on.

Residents and business owners stood up and down the street to see what was going on.

People who saw the drama unfold say they believe police detained two men at the scene.

One resident said: “I watched the whole thing. The police had bolt croppers and barged the door down and put the window through.

“I saw two people arrested and the police walked out with a large brown bag.”

A man has been arrested who is wanted on recall for jail.(Image: Newsquest)

A chef from the nearby Lya Grill House said: “I was working and saw lots of police cars suddenly right outside my shop.

“I had a look at what was going on. I saw two people arrested and three to four police cars and vans.”

“I saw police break the door down."

Meanwhile a man who works at the Golden Fry said: “I saw the police smash the door in.

“I then saw police run into the building.

“There were quite a few cars and officers outside, I saw two police cars and one van.”

“I see police here quite a lot to be fair, it’s not uncommon in this area."

The shop front has now been boarded up.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101.