Search for "suspicious" man who sparked armed police alert in South Shields continues

Police at Chichester Metro Station yesterday.

Armed officers swooped on Chichester Metro Station at around 11am yesterday and carried out a search of the station following the reports, with checks continuing throughout the day.

Scores of patrol cars, and a force helicopter were sent to the Chichester and Laygate areas to find the man.

The man has been described as 5ft 10ins tall, with grey hair and grey stubble.

He was wearing a short tan-coloured jacket.

Today, a Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Inquiries are ongoing to identify the man whose behaviour has caused concern.

"Police will remain in the are to reassure the local community."

Witnesses to the searches saw the officers armed with guns, while officers in marked vehicles carried out a through check of the streets and back lanes.

Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.