A man seen with a “shotgun” sparked a large police response before someone was arrested.

Firearms officers, a police helicopter and dog unit flocked to Byewaters in Croxley Green at around 6pm yesterday (March 16).

They were responding to claims that a man on a canal boat had been seen with a firearm described as “a shotgun”, a Herts Police spokesperson said.

“Officers attended immediately, alongside specially trained firearms response officers, the dog unit and a police helicopter.

“A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm and possession of a banned breed of dog. He remains in police custody at this time.”

Get unlimited online Watford Observer access for just £3 for 3 months

No weapons were found and investigations are ongoing, they added.

At around 8pm the police operation was still ongoing, according to a witness, who said nearby Mill Lane had been closed and the police helicopter had been over the moor and canal for an hour.

Information can be reported via 101, quoting reference ISR 664 of 16/03.