Two arrested after dog walker ‘threatened with machete’ in Darlington

Police were called just before 11.30am on Monday (September 21) following reports that a man had been threatened with a machete while walking his dog on Hutton Avenue.

The suspects were reported to have made off on an electric motorbike which was heading towards the Eastbourne area of the town.

Police and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) launched a search for the suspects with police helicopters circling the town for an hour.

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: “Urgent enquiries were launched to locate the suspects, coordinated by the force incident manager in our control room, with officers from Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit and Response taking to the ground.

“Assistance was also sought from the National Police Air Service who diligently tracked the bike as it rode through the town, directing officers on the ground to its location.”

The bike was stopped on Tornado Way, and a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including affray, dangerous driving, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and failing to stop for police.

A 17-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a controlled Class A drug with intent to supply.

The pair were taken into police custody where they remain today.

The bike, and a large machete, were both seized by police.

A spokesperson from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) confirmed they were looking for two suspects.

Police helicopter seen over Darlington

NPAS said: “At 11.54am on Monday, September 21, a police helicopter crew from NPAS Newcastle was deployed to Darlington to support Durham Constabulary in locating and apprehending two suspects on an electric bike.

“Total flying time on the task was 58 minutes.”

Several police cars were also seen by residents rushing along Neasham Road near Darlington railway station while the helicopter remained overhead.