Man arrested on suspicion of firearms offences after major police operation in South Shields

A police manhunt - involving armed officers and a force helicopter - was sparked by fears of a man 'acting suspiciously' in the Chichester Road area of South Shields at 11am yesterday morning.

Dozens of officers were seen searching the streets while the police helicopter scoured the area from the skies.

Shocked eyewitnesses told how armed police searched Chichester Metro Station as the operation got under way. 
They described seeing police armed with guns in the street during the search.

Police have now arrested a man in connection with the incident.

He remains in custody being quizzed by officers in connection with firearms offences.

Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: “I would like to thank the local community for their understanding and support during our enquiries yesterday.

“We recognise incidents like this do cause concern to people. A man has now been arrested and is in police custody.”