Armed police raced to a high street post office after reports of a suspected robbery taking place.
Quick-thinking staff locked a man inside the branch until officers arrived on the scene in Hebburn, Northumbria.
Officers were told a man had entered the shop shortly after 9.30am and demanded money from the till.
Despite first fears, police confirmed no weapon was found and a man was arrested at the scene.
Dramatic images shared on social media show two officers with their weapons drawn going into the shop, as shocked onlookers walked close by.
The armed response unit was then joined by more officers who cordoned off the road.
Welcome to Hebburn! pic.twitter.com/BTW1oyJ9dw
— Rachael (@RachFearon91) November 30, 2021
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman told the Mirror: “Shortly after 9.30am today, 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.”