Police have confirmed five people were arrested after armed officers responded to reports of weapons being seen in the town.
Click here for an update on five arrested after armed police response in Borehamwood
Hertfordshire Constabulary say they were called to reports of a disturbance in the Theobald Street and Aycliffe Road area at around 2.40pm.
Reports on social media suggested machetes were involved - on Twitter, the Beds, Herts, and Cambs armed policing unit said CCTV captured a group of males carrying knives.
South based ARV'S attended Borehamwood today after CCTV identified a number of males overtly carrying knives outside of shops. Five males separately detained using foot tactics by armed officers. With support from @BCHPoliceDogs @NPAShq @HertfordPolicehttps://t.co/er01iSg9qr
— BCH Armed Policing Unit (@ApuBch) August 10, 2019
As a result, a police helicopter rushed to the scene alongside armed units, neighbourhood officers, and a dog unit.
Police were seen driving around the Leeming Road area and were also in Buckton Road.
The helicopter circled above.
Off to #borehamwood for #npas64 for a search of multiple suspects. With the assistance of @ApuBch and @BhamwoodPolice all detained and safely in custody. #npas999 ^181VH DW
— NPAS London (@NPASLondon) August 10, 2019
Police in Morpeth Avenue
At around 4pm, Morpeth Avenue was full of police vehicles and armed police with some of the armed units seen guarding a property.
A number of people were seen being arrested in the street as police tried to control a large crowd which had gathered.
Police say one officer was assaulted but he is not seriously injured.
Police officers carry out searches in Buckton Road
Officers were seen searching bushes and behind fences - a dog unit was sent out as the scene calmed down.
Morpeth Avenue
Police have left the scene.
Inspector Kio Bozorgi said: “I understand this highly visible incident will have caused concern among members of the local community.
”I want to reassure people that those involved are thought to be known to each other and there is not perceived to be any threat to the wider public.
”We take reports of this nature very seriously and will always respond in a robust manner.
“This kind of behaviour is simply not acceptable. We will be conducting high visibility and covert patrols over the weekend and will be stopping and speaking with people as part of this.”
Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting ISR 450 of August 10.
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