Seven arrests after night of violence in South Shields

Police were called to a large fight in Temple Park Road at the bottom of West Park at 6.20pm yesterday.

It comes after an earlier fight broke out in Sunderland Road and a vehicle was damaged in Harton Road.

Witnesses reported that a gun was seen during the incident - however police have denied any suggestion that a firearm was involved

A witness told the Gazette: "It was like a scene from an action movie.

"A silver car was heading past the West Park towards Chichester when it suddenly swung across both lanes of Stanhope Road, coming to a stop and blocking all traffic.

"A second car behind, which was possibly a black Range Rover, stuck its brakes on and stopped.

"One of the occupants in the first car jumped out and pulled out what looked like a gun and pointed it at the Range Rover.

"I was only about 50 yards away and from what I could see, he was white and probably in his 30s.

"He pointed the object at the other vehicle, which drove on to the pavement to get past, and zoomed away. He then jumped back into his car, which sped off in pursuit.

"Although it was over in a matter of seconds, the police must already have been alerted, because at that moment you could hear a load of sirens."

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: "Around 6.20pm last night police were informed about a large fight in Temple Park Road.

"The incident is related to a fight in Sunderland Road and damage to a vehicle in Harton Road.

"The incidents are believed to be between people who know each other and police are not aware that anyone was injured.

"Seven men have been arrested and released under investigation.

"Any witnesses to the incidents are asked to contact Northumbria Police quoting reference 863 050717 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"There’s nothing to suggest a firearm was involved."

Last Monday night, armed police were deployed to Asda in Coronation Street after Northumbria Police received reports of a suspicious vehicle travelling on Ocean Road.

The report stated that the men in the vehicle, a navy blue Vauxhall Astra, were seen with what appeared to be a handgun.

A cordon was put in place around the underground car park and police carried out a search of the vehicle and the occupants, however, no firearm was found.