ARMED police have detained a distressed man who was threatening to harm himself with a knife at a North Yorkshire caravan site.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police's Firearms Support Unit were called to Merry Lees Caravan Park at Staxton, Scarborough, this afternoon at 12.37pm.

"Local officers responded initially and then called for back-up from armed officers when it was confirmed the man was carrying a knife," said a force spokesman.

"The incident was brought to a safe conclusion at 2.30pm when the 62-year-old local man was detained outside a nearby pub.

"He has been taken into custody on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He is receiving medical support."