A LOUD band heard in a North-East village on Tuesday afternoon is believed to have been a fire work and not a gunshot.

Police have been investigating the noise in the Easington Lane area, near Houghton-le-Spring.

It was reported at about 2.15pm on Tuesday when officers were contacted by a member of the public who heard a loud bang on a construction site near South Hetton Road.

The caller reported that they believed the sound was that of a gun being shot.

An investigation was launched with armed and unarmed officers deployed to the scene.

Inspector Nick Gjorven, of Northumbria Police, said: “A thorough investigation has been carried out into the disturbance, and it is believed the noise was that of a firework that had been thrown in the area.

“Nobody was injured, but officers remained in the area to offer reassurance to the community.

“I would like to thank residents and workers for their cooperation and patience as the investigation was carried out.”

A man and a woman, who were arrested in connection of the incident, have been released with no further action to be taken.

Anyone with concerns can contact police on 101 quoting log 620-160-719.