Armed police called to Newcastle's West End after officer is assaulted

A large-scale response was spotted on Grainger Park Road following the assault of an officer on Thursday evening

Armed police were called in as back-up after an officer was assaulted in the West End of Newcastle last night.

Officers were in attendance at an address on Grainger Park Road at around 4.35pm on Thursday to assist mental health services with an assessment of a patient.

During the assessment, a 54-year-old man became aggressive and assaulted a police officer.

Armed police were among the units drafted in as part of a large-scale response to descend on the scene.

A witness told ChronicleLive they saw at least five vehicles at the scene, including a police dogs unit.

The man was arrested by police and was later released into the care of mental health professionals.

Northumbria Police confirmed no officers were seriously injured during the altercation and stated there was never any risk to the wider public.

A spokesman also said there will be no further criminal action taken against the man.