Armed police swooped on the town centre following a report that someone was seen with a gun.

At around 2.45pm yesterday (February 21) officers were alerted to the possible weapon in High Street, Watford, by a member of the public.

Officers and specially trained firearms response officers attended and identified the suspect who was detained for a search.

The item turned out to be a broken toy gun, which was confiscated before the individual was "given words of advice", a Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed.

In a social media post police praised the person for contacting them.

Watford Observer: Police officers also attended the scene. Police officers also attended the scene. (Image: Stock image)

They added: “This incident attracted quite a lot of attention, and we know it can be a bit unsettling seeing our armed response officers at the scene of an incident, so we would like to reassure residents that this was a false alarm and that no real weapons were located.”

No arrests were made as no offences had been committed, police confirmed.