Armed search in Watford town centre after 'weapon attack'

Although members of the public initially thought an armed police presence in Watford High Street on Saturday afternoon was a planned response relating to the Watford match against Millwall, it has today (October 30) been revealed it followed reports of an attack.

Herts Police had been called at around 11.57am, on October 28, with reports of a clash involving a bladed weapon outside The Sanctuary, in Exchange Road.

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Watford High Street (Image: Contribution)

The suspect or suspects apparently then walked onto St Mary's Road before attacking a group of people in a vehicle with a weapon, police said.

A 44-year-old man from Watford was arrested on suspicion of affray in Vicarage Road after officers including the armed police unit arrived at the scene and conducted an “extensive” search of the area.

Watford High Street (Image: Contribution)

The man has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Locals who saw the police response described it as "scary" and "incredibly frightening" for families shopping in the area, especially as they did not know why the officers were there.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact police via 101 or the online web chat, quoting crime reference number 41/86178/23.