POLICE are trying to find a man with an axe seen in Stockton after what appeared to be a gang fight.

Cleveland Police say he had a small axe and was seen on Norton Road at about 4pm yesterday (Tuesday, August 12).

Earlier there had been a fight involving an unknown number of people in the same area involving metal bars and planks of wood.

Police were called but by the time they arrived the group had dispersed. Officers returned after being told about the axe carrier. However people near to where the man was said to be wouldn't help the police.

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers believe the two incidents are linked and are investigating the full circumstances. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on bail pending further investigation.