Bomb squad probes 'suspicious item' in village

Dozens of villagers were told to leave their homes and stay away from a street where emergency services were responding to a "suspicious item".

Robert Terrace in Shield Row, Stanley, was cordoned off while a bomb squad assessed the item, with residents sent to The Louisa Centre in Front Street.

North East Ambulance Service and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said they responded to a support request from Durham Police at 13:00 BST.

Police said the item had been dealt with and a man in his 70s was helping officers with inquiries, with no further risk to the wider community.

Durham Police said about 60 homes had been evacuated, adding: "We would like to thank residents for their support and patience."

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