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Armed police have left Whippendell Road after they shut off part of the street this evening.

At least eight armed officers were at the scene in West Watford after being called between 5pm and 5.30pm.

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Their presence centred on an address at a parade of shops between Harwoods Road and Southsea Avenue.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

One armed officer was standing in the middle of the road alongside a police dog while uniformed officers ensured members of the public could not get near the scene.

Meamwhile, at least six armed officers searched a property in Whippendell Road.

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Crowds stood at either end of the cordon and no one was allowed near, including one person who lived nearby and a person who wanted to use the cashpoint at Tesco Express.

A police helicopter was circling over West Watford for at least 30 minutes.

At 6.35pm, armed officers left the property.

Around five minutes later, all officers the scene and the cordon was lifted.

There were no paramedics or ambulances at the scene.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has been approached for comment.