A man has been charged after armed police were called to reports of someone holding a gun by a busy roundabout.

Armed police were called and the road was closed after reports of a man holding an object believed to be a firearm near the A414 roundabout by the London Colney bypass on Wednesday, September 21, just after 3pm.

Armed police officers, specially trained search teams and a police dog unit conducted a thorough search of the area, but no weapons were located.

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After the search was widened, an imitation firearm that matched the description given in the initial report was found on Thursday afternoon (September 22).

A 53 year old man and a 42 year old man were arrested.

Stephen Lawrence, 53, from St Albans and of no fixed abode, has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 

He appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 23 and was remanded in custody.

The 42-year-old man has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting crime reference 41/76347/22.

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