Manhunt launched for driver suspected of carrying firearm as armed police pictured searching estate

A manhunt has been launched for a driver suspected of carrying a firearm as armed police are pictured searching an estate.

Cleveland Police was called to reports of a man driving a vehicle around the Stockton area while suspected of being armed with a firearm around 6.45pm on Tuesday, November 26. The force said officers, including armed response, were deployed to the area to carry out a search for the driver. However, he remains at large.

A spokesperson said: "The vehicle was located unoccupied, and enquiries are ongoing to locate the man with officers, including armed response, conducting patrols and warrants in the area."

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Pictures taken by photographer Terry Blackburn show the armed officers on Ketton Road and Cocken Road in Hardwick. Witnesses told Teesside Live there were around eight police vehicles at the scene on Wednesday night and that officers were searching addresses.

One witness said: "They've been looking for the same lad for few days now. Police said they’ve already searched four other properties. There are around eight police vehicles with armed and unarmed officers."

Anyone who has information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or via the website quoting reference number 225282.

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