DETECTIVES are investigating a possible hoax call which led to an innocent motorist being arrested by armed police with helicopter and dog back-up.

Cleveland Police were responding to a call from a man who said he seen a man with a gun get into a car on Marton Road, Middlesbrough.

The armed response unit, dog section and police helicopter were sent to capture the man.

However when the car was stopped 20 minutes later in the Beechwood area nothing untoward was found.

Police are trying to establish if the call was a hoax or made with good intent and have released an image of a man they would like to speak to.

The call was made just after 4pm on Wednesday, September 25.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non emergency number 101. Alternatively please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.