A FAMILY have complained to police that their son was mistakenly targeted during an operation to arrest a suspected gunman.

Barman Andrew Simpson said he was frightened to think that he may have been in the sights of police marksmen when he was ordered to walk out of his friend's house with his hands on his head.

The 20-year-old had been watching football on television at a friend's house in Scott Street, Shildon, County Durham, last Thursday, when armed police arrived to arrest a man in a nearby property.

He said an officer shouted to him to come outside.

Although he was sent back in a few seconds later, when another policeman realised the mistake, he said he was shocked by the incident and could not sleep.

His father, Ray, called for procedures to be tightened up.

He said: "They clearly got the wrong house and I have been told by an inspector that there were firearms pointed at my son.

"The police have admitted it and it has made us upset and angry."

Superintendent Barry Knevitt said: "This operation lasted several hours, but ultimately had a peaceful and positive outcome, with a man being arrested and a suspected illegal firearm recovered.

"The officers involved also took all reasonable steps to minimise disruption to residents in the area."