Officers seize weapon in raid
MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER CROSSBOW REPORTS
Reporter A MAN was arrested after police stormed a Gateshead house and recovered a weapon.
Cordons were set up in the Bensham area around Alexandra Road, Avenue Road and Shipcote Lane on Tuesday evening after police received reports of a man allegedly wielding a crossbow.
A home on Avenue Road was searched and police say a weapon was discovered.
Although police have spoken to a man they believed was in possession of the weapon, he was not inside the house.
Northumbria Police carried out a search and late on Tuesday evening a man was arrested. He remains in police custody.
Neighbours were alerted to armed police on the streets of Bensham at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.
Isaac Jacobs was one of many who gathered in crowds around the Gateshead Leisure Centre and Shipley Art Gallery area.
The 19-year-old said: “Police arrived and were getting shields out behind the doors of the their car.
“Officers started pulling out helmets and getting out guns, and more armed police were coming from around the other side of the house.
“They came along the street and shouted at us to back off the road.
“Officers were shouting at the house ‘if you come out you won’t be hurt. Come out and show yourself with your hands in the air.’”
Isaac said police entered the property at about 8.10pm to begin their search.
The cordons were removed at about 8.45pm, but those who lived nearby were still urged to stay in their homes.
Crowds of bystanders remained in the area until about 9.15pm before gradually dispersing.
Northumbria Police say neighbourhood officers will remain in the Bensham area on Wednesday to carry out patrols and offer reassurance. ■■Anyone who has any information that may help police should contact officers on 101 quoting log 903 040717 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.