Armed police raid a house in Hartlepool

St Oswald's Street was cordoned off at both ends while armed officers surrounded one of the properties.

It is believed the house in question was empty, but police were seen carrying out a small package.

An eyewitness on the scene, said: "There were at least three police cars and about 12 officers in the street. There were lots of people standing around watching what was going on."

The neighbouring homes were not evacuated and the police left the scene shortly after midday.