Film crews have pitched up in Watford to shoot a popular BBC crime drama.

Woodside Leisure Centre near Garston has been transformed into a hive of activity as Silent Witness is being shot nearby.

Onlookers took to social media to question what was going on after crews were first seen “taking over Woodside Playing Fields” last night (August 6).

Someone wrote they were “only allowing one car in one car out”, adding: “The staff at Everyone Active at the Leisure Centre also had no idea what was going on.”

Watford Borough Council has confirmed the filming was due to take place between 6pm yesterday and 6pm today at the centre’s short stay car park – next to the Astro turf.

Cllr Tim Williams said: “They are filming an episode of Silent Witness at the Building Research Establishment in Bucknalls Lane Garston - and are using part of the car park at Woodside Leisure Centre as a ‘unit base’.”

He added: “Woodside Leisure Centre was previously informed but in hindsight other stakeholders should have likewise been notified, and the Council apologises that this did not occur and likewise apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

The crime drama stars Emilia Fox, William Gaminara, Liz Carr and David Caves, and focuses on forensic pathologists and scientists using their skills to catch criminals.

The most recent of 26 seasons, which ended on January 31 and was directed by Toby Frow, left viewers with information and evidence mounting against a police officer.