Darlington incident LIVE: Police cordon after man attacked near church

Armed officers in attendance as North East cordon is put in place

A temporary police cordon is in place in the North East after a man was attacked near a church.

Armed officers are currently in Bishop Auckland, County Durham after receiving reports of a man being attacked.

A cordon has been put in place in the area surrounding St. Mary's Church.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.

The condition of the injured man is not yet known.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "We are currently in attendance at an incident in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

"A temporary cordon is in place in the area surrounding St. Mary's Church while officers respond to the incident.

"We would ask motorists to avoid the area at this time."

The incident comes just days after a man was shot and killed in the nearby town of Darlington.

In a statement released on Monday, Detective Superintendent Glen Westmoreland said: "This was a cowardly and senseless act that has resulted in the tragic loss of a young life.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family and friends at this difficult time.

"We are committed to bringing the person or persons responsible for this heinous crime to justice."

The investigation into the Darlington shooting is ongoing.