Police have arrested two men after an attempted robbery with a Samurai sword at a County Durham petrol station.

The Bells Hill Service Station on the A690 at West Rainton was sealed off by police officers following the incident, which happened at about 2.50am on Wednesday December 9.

A Durham Police statement said: “A man with a Samurai sword attempted to rob a service station at West Rainton in the early hours of this morning.

“Nothing was taken and no one was injured. The Samurai sword believed to be involved in the incident has been recovered by police.

“Two local men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and are currently being questioned by detectives.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.”