Police have confirmed why officers were seen searching North Watford roads as a helicopter hovered overhead “for ages”.

Residents reported seeing the aircraft circling over the Courtlands area at around 8pm on Saturday (September 14), and flight maps show it making multiple trips around the area.

Another local claimed they saw police "checking roads in North Watford about 8pm last night and the helicopter was really low over the Harebreaks - scary!"

The helicopter was hear hovering over the Courtlands area for ages.The helicopter was hear hovering over the Courtlands area for ages. (Image: RadarBox) A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson has now confirmed that officers on patrol spotted a vehicle of interest at around 7.10pm in Leavesden Road.

They chased the vehicle and a police helicopter was called to assist, but the car failed to stop.

The pursuit was called off over "safety concerns", and the officers are still looking for the vehicle and driver.

Hertfordshire Police declined to comment on why the vehicle was of interest to "safeguard ongoing enquiries" or which "safety factors" led to the pursuit being called off.