Man allegedly fired air gun at police during stand-off at South Shields cliffs

Emergency services were called to a report of concern for a male who was on the wrong side of the railings near Frenchman’s Bay in South Shields on Thursday,October 1, shortly before 2.15pm.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, who were one of the first emergency response teams at the scene, said the man became ‘hostile and threatening’ and they requested police assistance.

Northumbria Police say the 33-year-old was ‘acting aggressively’ and was in possession of a suspected air gun which he allegedly fired in the direction of officers.

Nobody was injured and after six hours the man was brought to safety before being placed under arrest.

An investigation into the incident has been launched and he remains in police custody at this time.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Officers attended and spoke to the male, who was acting aggressively and in possession of a suspected air gun. The individual then proceeded to fire an air pellet in the direction of officers.

“Nobody was injured and the 33-year-old male was brought to safety, before being placed under arrest. He remains in police custody at this time and an investigation ongoing.

“Witnesses with dashcam or mobile phone footage, or anyone who came into contact with the individual prior to emergency services arriving, are asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting log 558 011020 or via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website.”

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