Man Tasered After Armed Standoff at Coral Bookmakers in Jarrow
Police have ended a tense armed standoff at Coral bookmakers in Jarrow after a man barricaded himself inside the shop. The suspect, believed to be armed, had covered the windows with newspapers to block views inside.
Three Hostages Freed During Drama
The drama began just before 6pm on Sunday, January 8. Hostages inside the bookies were held at gunpoint, but three have since been released unharmed. It’s unclear if anyone else remains inside.
Local resident Steve Dixon witnessed the incident unfold from his third-floor flat. He said:
“Just after 6pm I heard shouting outside, which is unusual around here. About ten minutes later, four police cars arrived and pulled up outside the bookies. The lights were on but the windows were all covered with paper.
At about 7pm, a young lad wearing a uniform and badge was released. He walked across the road to police and was taken away.
The man inside is well built, wearing a black vest. He keeps coming to the door while police try to communicate, saying things like, ‘come to the door’ and ‘give yourself up.’”
Later, a second hostage—an older man in a black coat—was freed and taken safely into police custody around 7.45pm. At 8.45pm, a third man in his sixties wearing a grey anorak was released. He was made to lie on the floor before police escorted him away.
Police Confirm Armed Man Tasered and Detained
Police received the report at 5:46pm of a man with a suspected firearm inside the Coral bookmakers on Grange Road. Specialist firearms officers and negotiators were deployed to the scene.
A police statement said:
“Three people who were inside the premises with the man have all left unharmed. One person is believed to remain inside, and we are working to get them out safely.
A cordon has been established and nearby roads closed as a precaution. There is no threat to the wider public, but we ask people to avoid the area while officers work to bring this to a safe conclusion.”
Police later confirmed the suspect was tasered and taken into custody, ending the standoff peacefully.
Community in Shock Over Quiet Sunday Incident
Steve Dixon added:
“This is not what you expect on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I really hope there’s a peaceful ending to all this.”
