A DARLINGTON man who claimed the lockdown did not apply to him has been arrested.

Officers were at Darlington Police Station, on St Cuthbert’s Way, on Sunday evening when they saw a man outside the building who appeared to be drunk.

Police say they asked the man why he was there, and why he was out of his home address when there is a lockdown in place.

Following a brief conversation, during which he is reported to have repeatedly sworn at the officers, the man then told them he was not going to leave the police station as the lock down does not apply to him.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

He has since been charged with being drunk and disorderly and contravening the requirement as to the restriction of movement during an emergency period.

He was released on bail to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on April 9.