Hilarious moment armed cops are joined by a ‘lifeguard’ at Sunderland count as pollsters joke they are ‘taking no chances’

THIS is the hilarious moment armed cops appeared to be flanked by a lifeguard as they patrolled the General Election count in Sunderland.

Eagle-eyed viewers watching the Sky News coverage of election count spotted the man wearing red shorts and a yellow T-shirt looking on as the policemen with guns strolled past.

It comes as armed officers have been on duty at election counts up and down the country as the UK remains on terror alert.

And viewers joked that election officials in Sunderland were taking no chances by appearing to also employ the lifeguard at the count.

Zach took to Twitter and said: “Nice to see Sunderland have have armed guards AND a lifeguard on duty. All bases covered. #ElectionDay2017.”

Chris added: “Sunderland. Where the candidates and the counters are protected from terrorists by armed police and from drowning by a lifeguard #ge2017”

Mark wrote: “Taking no chances in Sunderland. Armed police an a lifeguard #GE2017”

And Karen said: “Can understand the need for a police presence in background of Sunderland count, but the lifeguard?? What does he know that we dont?”

However, there is a good reason why the man appearing to wear the lifeguard’s outfit was spotted at the count.

This is because it takes place at Silksworth Tennis and Wellness Centre in Sunderland, which has a public swimming pool.

But the lifeguard is not the only one to have caused a stir during election coverage on TV this evening.

Viewers also took to Twitter to swoon over veteran BBC broadcaster David Dimbleby and profess their love for the host with the hashtag #Dimblebae.

Keep up to date with all the election news by following our live blog for the latest results as they come in.