A MAN was being questioned by police last night after a stand-off during which he threatened to harm himself in the loft of his North-East home.

The man, in his mid-thirties, was arrested by officers several hours after they arrived at the house in Horden, east Durham.

A Durham force spokeswoman said officers went to Fifth Street, shortly after noon, to speak to him in connection with an incident.

It is understood the man kept police at bay by threatening self-harm, including possibly starting a fire. Paramedics and a fire crew were called to the scene as a precaution.

Shortly after 4.30pm the situation was said to have been "resolved", with the man arrested and taken to Peterlee police station, where he was being questioned last night.