Officers had been called at 3.45pm to reports of a man seen with what was believed to be a gun in Howlands, Welwyn Garden City. A short time later, officers arrested a 40 year old man near to Hatfield Train Station.

A replica weapon was also seized.

Detective Sergeant Jason Rusbridge is investigating and said: “Understandably an incident of this nature may cause concern within the community but I would like to reassure residents that no weapon was discharged and no-one was injured. The safety of members of the public is always a priority and officers were on scene quickly to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”

By Hertfordshire Constabulary