A man has been arrested on suspicion of having a weapon in public and stalking after armed police surrounded a block of flats.

Residents in an Oxhey Drive building noticed a host of officers as well as police dogs around their homes at around 4.15pm on Saturday (March 23), before multiple armed officers entered the block.

Herts Police have since confirmed that they were responding to reports that a man had a “bladed article” in the road.

Aaron Tucker, 32, of South Oxhey, was arrested and later charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, stalking involving fear of violence, stalking involving alarm and distress, and harassment without violence.

He appeared in Hatfield Magistrates Court earlier today and has been remanded in prison ahead of his next court appearance at St Albans Crown Court, which is set for April 23.

Watford Observer: Police in Oxhey Drive.Police in Oxhey Drive. (Image: Contribution)

Detective Constable Abi Wilkins is leading the investigation, she said: “I am interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in Oxhey Drive between 4pm and 4.15pm on Saturday and may have spotted something suspicious.

“If you have any information, please contact me by emailing abi.wilkins@herts.police.uk.”

Information can also be reported online or by calling 101.