Armed police surround Jarrow betting shop - '˜hostages' reported
Police are reported to be dealing with a possible hostage situation at the Viking Centre in Jarrow.
Witnesses have reported seeing armed officers at the scene.
Stephen Dixon, whose flat overlooks the scene, said it appeared police were dealing with a hostage situation in the Coral bookmaker's office at the centre
"We heard a commotion going on, which was the police officers shouting.
"It looks as if there's been one member of staff released so far."
The police helicopter was also at the scene.