POLICE were today trying to establish contact with a man who barricaded himself inside a flat in Scarborough after threatening to shoot officers.

A police spokesman said a 32-year-old local man had shut himself up inside the flat in North Marine Road, Scarborough, and although no shots had been fired, they believed he may have a gun.

It was not known if the man was alone in the flat.

The spokesman said the man had been involved in a domestic incident last night and at 1.43am he called police asking to speak with an officer. When the officers arrived he threatened to shoot them. No gun was seen but the threats are being taken seriously.

Neighbouring flats in the premises are believed to be empty and the area has been contained with armed officers at the scene.

North Marine Road was closed between Trafalgar Square and Castle Road during the incident.