Sunderland petrol station taped off by police

The Esso Garage, off the Barnes gyratory on the A690 Durham Road, has been closed off to traffic and customers this morning.

The business has since reopened, but no-one was able to say the reason for the closure.

Details are yet to be released by police.

One elderly woman, who lives just yards from the site, said: “When I got up this morning I saw a maroon car on the pavement and some police tape on the exit.

“I didn’t hear anything during the night so I don’t know what has happened to be honest.

“There’s never usually any trouble around here.”

Another woman who also lives near the petrol station said: “The place is always busy with it being open 24/7 but I wouldn’t say there has been much trouble there recently.

“I was at home last night and wasn’t aware of anything.

“I haven’t had any police come to the door to tell us what has gone on yet.”