Last night (Thursday), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) attended an address on Bowman Street, Darlington with the support of officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Durham Constabulary.

The police operation resulted in three men and two women being arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Further searches of the property have so far seen suspected drugs, a large amount of cash seized and a samurai sword – with searches still ongoing.

The men, aged 25, 18 and 22, and women, 20 and 30, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing a firearm and currently remain in police custody as enquiries continue.

Following the arrests, NEROCU Detective Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson, said: “Five suspects in the cells, drugs and a substantial amount of money believed to be linked to criminal activity – this is just the latest example of the proactive police work ongoing across the region to tackle all types of organised crime.

“This operation demonstrates the power of partnership working, which will continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel – our region-wide approach to pursuing offenders, protecting the public and dismantling serious and organised crime.”

Anyone wanting to report information linked to organised crime can do so via their local police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If a crime is ongoing, always call 999.