Herts Police's forensics team have collected a gun after it was discovered in Watford farmland.

There were fears of a major incident after Meriden residents noticed officers and scientific services unit vehicles in the area yesterday morning (May 28).

However, the force have now confirmed they had been called hours earlier, at 4am, to reports that a suspected weapon had been found.

Officers in Gadswell Close went to pick up the “non-viable firearm”, which is understood to have been in such a bad state that it could not fire, after it was found in farmland near the Meriden Estate.

Harwoods Recreation Ground

There was a more concerning incident in Watford the morning before (May 27).

Harwoods Recreation Ground, in Vicarage Road, was taped off after Herts Police were called to reports that a man in his 20s had been stabbed.

It is believed to have happened between 6.30am and 7am, before he was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The police investigation is continuing and anyone with information can report it quoting crime reference 41/42032/24.