Traffic delays are expected in Watford close to the Intu Watford shopping centre as a result of two incidents police were called to during the early hours of this morning.

Road closures have been put in place in Gladstone Road and Queens Road while police carry out investigations.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible as delays are expected.

Police were called to the first incident in Gladstone Road at approximately 2.35am following reports of two car fires.

On arrival at the scene they found another car alight.

Herts Fire and Rescue were also called and the fires put out. The fires are currently being treated as suspicious. No one was injured.

Police were called to the second incident at approximately 2.40am following reports of a break-in at the Intu Centre.

Offenders had forced their way into the centre via shoe shop Gordon Scott.

Once inside the building, they forced their way into the shop front of Beaverbrooks, Ernest Jones and Swag and stole jewellery and watches before leaving the scene via Gordon Scott.

As a result of this break in, a section of the lower floor of the Intu Centre will remain closed off while police carry out their investigations.

Four men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas were seen to leave the building and make off in an unknown direction.

At the moment police are not ruling out that the two incidents could be linked.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents or who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the areas are asked to contact police as soon as possible via the non-emergency number 101.