Armed police storm Middlesbrough pub in 'large scale' incident
ARMED police descended on a pub in Middlesbrough closing roads in the centre of the town.
Police cars surround hotel in Middlesborough after incident
Police carrying guns and shields were seen at the Springfield Hotel pub in Borough Road at 9:30pm where officers were heard shouting to anyone inside before entering the building.
The A66 was later closed westbound after a dozen police vehicles swooped on the pub following reports of a large fight.
It is unclear whether the road closure is related to the armed police incident.
Members of the public stood by and watched the drama unfold.
Officers were heard shouting: “Armed police, anyone inside show yourself.”
Police have descended on the Springfield Hotel in Middlesbrough
Majority of Middlesbrough central closed off....������ pic.twitter.com/YuSPsuPpvI
— Big Bow (@MikeyJamesBowe7) November 13, 2017
Six to seven officers were seen entering the large pub and were thought to be searching it.
A police cordon saw crowds of onlookers gathered behind tape on Melrose Street and Woodlands Road with some reporting four people had been arrested – although the figure has not been confirmed by authorities.
Several people have been arrested, with more to follow through the day as inquiries continue.
A Cleaveland Police spokeswoman said: “As is routine when weapons are mentioned by a caller, armed police attended the pub, arriving to a large scale disturbance.
“Officers required those present to leave and ARVs and response and dog section officers remain in the area searching for named individuals.
“A number of arrests have been made and we expect to make more arrests as inquiries continue.”
The nature of the arrests has not yet been confirmed by Cleveland Police.
The force said there was no reports of injury to the wider public and there is no risk to the wider public.