Overview
- Armed officers responded to the Yellow multi-storey car park on December 27 after reports that a male was carrying a suspected firearm during a parking dispute.
- Five males aged 17, 18, 20, 21 and 23 were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm and have since been released on police bail.
- Northumbria Police say no weapon was located at the scene and describe the report as an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.
- Patrols continue as normal at the shopping centre, and officers encourage anyone with concerns to speak to police or security staff.
- The force asks the public not to speculate and to share information via social media DM, live chat or 101, quoting reference NP-20251227-0496.