Man arrested in Watford bank siege was carrying bomb

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Sources said the incident was not thought to be terrorist-related.

‘Public safety paramount’

Police were called to the bank at 10.18am to investigate reports reports of a man threatening to harm members of staff.

Specialist firearms teams and military bomb disposal experts attended the scene in the centre of the town.

Witnesses described police marksmen aiming their guns at the bank.

Witnesses described police marksmen aiming their guns at the bank and reported rumours that the man had a bomb strapped to his body.

Hertfordshire Police said in a statement: “Safety of members of the public was paramount, and a cordon was put in place and people were evacuated from nearby premises.

“There will be police activity in the town centre for a while to come. Understandably this caused concern within the community and we would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation in this matter.”

‘No casualties‘

Pat Sullivan, who works at local damp-proofing firm M Mansell, said police closed the main roads around the bank and the ring road, causing traffic to back up.

Ryan Saunders, 22, who was heading to work at nearby BHS at the time, said: “There were lots of people panicking, and then I saw the bomb disposal van speed past me. Everyone was desperate to get away.”

Everyone was desperate to get away. Ryan Saunders, eyewitness

Local councillor Rabi Martin said: “As a ward councillor, I was anxious there was no threat to residents or staff. This is the last thing we want for Watford. But the main thing is that there were no casualties.

“The police reacted so quickly and decisively in evacuating the area. Watford town centre has so many different entrances for them to seal off, so their efforts were commendable.”