Northumbria Police told Express.co.uk that shortly after 9.30am today (Tuesday) they received a call of an attempted robbery at a Post Office on Station Road. The man reportedly entered the Post Office and threatened staff.

       He then demanded money from the till.

       Staff were able to lock the man in the store so he could not escape before the police arrived.

       Police confirmed that no one was injured in the incident and a 37-year-old man had been arrested.

       Father Marc Lyden-Smith, priest for the catholic parish of Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring, tweeted at 11.33am this morning that he had been told of an "armed robbery" taking place.

       He believed "there are hostages and that armed police are currently on the scene".

       He urged people in the area to remain cautious.

       A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 9.30am today (Tuesday), police received a report of an attempted robbery at a Post Office on Station Road in Hebburn.

       “It was reported that a man had entered the Post Office and threatened staff before demanding money from the till.

       “The staff were able to safely lock a suspect in the store until officers arrived on the scene.

       “Thankfully nobody has been injured and a 37-year-old man has now been arrested.”

       The Post Office is located near Hebburn train station, near the south bank of the River Tyne.

       Hebburn itself lies between Gateshead to the west and South Shields to the east.