Traders who saw two men being arrested in Radlett on Monday say they have “never seen anything like it.”

Around 20 police cars and a helicopter swarmed Watling Street after a high-speed chase that began in Bushey, where officers were called to reports of a burglary just after 5pm.

The two male suspects, both 31, went into The Railway Bar and bought drinks as the commotion unfolded outside.

A pub worker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “The two men came in and bought some drinks, we didn’t think anything of it.

“Then plain clothed policemen came in asking if we had seen anyone in a black shirt, but we all kept quiet.

“There were around 16 people in the pub, but only one wearing a black shirt. He tried to say he had been there for 20 minutes but the police weren’t having any of it.

“They took them outside where they were arrested.

“I was not scared – just more excited about a bit of Monday evening drama.”

Ali Kahraman, of Café Open in Watling Street, said: “It was really scary when I saw the helicopter, I thought someone had been shot. 
“I saw around 20 police cars zooming up and down the street, it was quite shocking.

“We never have any problems in this area, it is usually very quiet and nothing ever happens.”

Liz Rowe, works in Staton Estate Agents right outside where the drama unfolded.

She said: “I heard sirens buzzing down the road, and there were loads of police cars. I thought it was a crazy sight, especially when the helicopter turned up.

“All the commotion was pretty dramatic and exciting - that is not how you expect to end a bog standard Monday evening.”

Her colleague, Gayvn Fresco, added: “When you see something like that you assume something major has happened.

“I saw two people get searched and arrested, I have never seen anything like it in my life.”