Armed police descend on Harrogate bar after man 'seen with gun'

Calls were made about the suspect - who was thought to be in possession of a real firearm - and officers swooped outside The Den on Tuesday night.

The bar was described as 'dead' during the sting - and police later revealed the 'gun' was a realistic-looking toy.

Assault rifles were pointed at the 34-year-old man while police dogs searched the area.

The man was believed to have been drinking in the bar before the altercation.

Witness Paddy Chadderton, 42, said: “Den bar is a popular bar usually but I think it was dead at the time.

“I’d actually just mentioned to my wife about five minutes before it all kicked off that it was bizarrely quiet.