Investigation into Jarrow armed siege continues
4 hostages were rescued and a man taken into custody last night.
Enquiries are continuing after a man was arrested in connection with an incident at a Jarrow bookmakers last night.
At 5.46pm yesterday, police received a report of a man in possession of what was believed to be a firearm inside Coral bookmakers on Grange Road.
Firearms officers attended along with police negotiators who spoke with the man and at 8.45pm the incident was brought to a safe conclusion.
Four hostages inside the bookmakers were released safely and were not injured during the incident.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and taken into police custody where he is currently being questioned.
A firearm was seized during the incident.
In order to assist in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion police used an AEP projectile launcher - it is classed as a ‘less lethal’ weapon and is routinely carried by firearms officers. The use of the launcher reduces the potential for life-threatening injury.
Officers believe the incident in the bookmakers was contained and are not looking for anyone else in connection with this, however, enquiries are on-going and police are not ruling out further arrests in connection with supplying firearms.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said.
"We fully understand the impact incidents involving suspected firearms have on our local communities and, while thankfully they are incredibly rare, when they do happen we always endeavour to make sure they are brought to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.
"I know some local residents experienced some slight disruption while we dealt with this incident and I would like to thank them for their support and cooperation, their support is vitally important to us and something we never take for granted. I would also like to thank all officers involved for their professionalism in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion."