Armed police in North Shields stand-off

Armed police are at the scene in Howard Street

Armed police are involved in a stand-off with a man in North Shields.

Officers from Northumbria Police were called to Howard Street at about 14:10 BST.
Witnesses have reported seeing the man waving a gun. Residents and businesses have been evacuated.
A police spokeswoman said a cordon had been put in place as a precaution while they attempt to resolve the situation. Howard Street has been closed from Saville Street.

Howard Street has been closed from Saville Street