A young man was seriously assaulted in Watford High Street today.

Police cordoned off the high street outside McDonald's at around 5pm today.

It's understood a man sustained stab wounds and was later found seriously injured outside Costcutter in Queens Road in the town.

He has been airlifted to hospital.

A cordon was in place across High Street where it meets King Street, as well as outside Costcutter.

Images show an ambulance, paramedic car, as well as two police cars in Queens Road.

Watford Observer:

Police in Queens Road where a male was found seriously injured. Credit: Jampond Photography

Watford Observer:

Paramedics outside Costcutter. Credit: Jampond Photography

The helicopter is believed to have landed off Radlett Road.

Watford Observer:

High Street cordon outside Costa where a male is believed to have been stabbed

Police say an argument took place outside Costa Coffee just before the man was injured.

Costa Coffee shut as a result of the assault but all other nearby restaurants remained open.

The road was shut to vehicles, including buses, from Lower High Street - although pedestrians were still allowed past.

Police officers guarded the scene for hours and enquiries were carried out.

Watford Observer:

Police cordon in High Street

At around 9pm, Hertfordshire Constabulary released the following statement.

"We are investigating a serious assault involving a young male adult in Watford.

"It happened near Costa in High Street and the injured male made his way to Queens Road at around 4.50pm this afternoon.

"The injured male has been airlifted to hospital. It is believed he had an argument with a group of people immediately before he was assaulted.

"Police are appealing for any witnesses to the assault or anyone who saw an argument outside Costa. It is believed the victim and suspects knew each other.

"If you have any information about the assault or know who may be responsible, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 550 of today’s date."

Police have since lifted the cordons in both the high street and outside Costcutter.

The police helicopter has also been out over Watford town centre this evening although it's unclear if it is connected to this incident.

Did you see what happened in the High Street? Email nathan.louis@newsquest.co.uk