THREE men have been arrested after being surrounded by armed police in Darlington.
Officers with guns surrounded a silver car on the A167 yesterday, August 13, as it was heading towards the town centre from the A1(M).
Three men - aged 21, 18 and 17 - have been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer after they were earlier spotted with what appeared to be a firearm at the Silverlink Retail Park, in Wallsend.
Officers from Northumbria Police followed the group to Darlington where the vehicle came to a stop and the men were surrounded.
A police helicopter was also involved in the operation.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 2.30pm yesterday (Tuesday), police received a report of a group of males acting suspiciously on the Silverlink Retail Park in Wallsend.
“It was reported that the individuals were dressed as if they were police officers and a member of the public believed one may have been in possession of a firearm.
“An investigation was launched and officers followed the vehicle in question to the Darlington area.
“The vehicle came to a natural stop and police arrested three males – aged 21, 18 and 17 - on suspicion of impersonating a police officer. They remain in police custody and are assisting officers with their enquiries.
“Officers were satisfied that the individuals were not in possession of a firearm. Enquiries are ongoing.”
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