Everything we know as police cordon still remains in place outside of Sunderland pubs

Where is the police cordon?

The police cordon was initially spotted outside of the Wheatsheaf pub on Roker Avenue in Monkwearmouth. There was also a significant police presence with at least seven police vehicles, including cars and vans, around the building at any one time and other police cars and officers coming and going from the scene.

As police vehicles moved around, it could also be seen that a cordon was in place outside of the old Terminus pub which is now permanently closed and sits behind the Wheatsheaf.

The cordon was to the front and both sides of the building, with further police cars located to the rear.

How long has the cordon been in place?

The pubs are located close to the Stagecoach bus depot. A bus driver told the Echo that the police cordon was in place at 10am when he arrived to work and “there were already a lot of police cars”.

Police seen going in and out of buildings

While doors to the Wheatsheaf appeared to be shut earlier today, by 3pm this afternoon the entrance was open, with police officers going in and out of the pub.

Behind the police cordon, a door was also open with police officers going inside of the old Terminus pub building.

Northern Powergrid

While mystery still surrounds the reason for the cordon, workers from Northern Powergrid could also be seen going in and out of both buildings with police officers.

One of the workers confirmed they are “working inside with the police”. The worker also had a device he was running around the outside perimeter of the building. When asked what the device was for, he said “checking for electricity”.

Two Northern Powergrid vans were parked outside of the building with the words ‘Rapid Response Electricity Faults’ emblazoned on the side.

Northern Powergrid provide electricity to around 8 million people across the wider North East region.

What have the emergency services said?

The North East Ambulance Service said they have not been called to this incident.

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We are still awaiting an official response from Northumbria Police.