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Northumbria Police’s armed response unit was called to Whittingham, near Alnwick, on Thursday afternoon.

However, the team established that the noise was caused by pest control being carried out.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 1.30pm, police were contacted by a concerned member of the public who thought they had heard a gunshot near to the Green Roads area of Whittingham Village, Northumberland.

Northumbria Police armed officers on patrol. File image.

“As a precaution, officers from the Force's Firearms Support Unit (FSU) were deployed. However, they were satisfied the noises were coming from a private premises which was carrying out pest control.

“We would like to thank those who contacted police and made the report in good faith.”

Firearms officers descend on Whittingham after reported gunshot