Armed police unit called to Bancroft after reports of man brandishing a gun near the bandstand

Armed police were called to Bancroft in Hitchin town centre today, Monday (June 12) after reports a man in the park had been seen with a gun.

Hitchin Nub News understands that at least four armed response officers in black swept through Bancroft before 4pm in a hunt for the alleged gunman, who was said to be in possession of a weapon.

However, despite a full search of the public area that centred around the Bancroft bandstand, no weapons were found by officers during the incident.

Herts Police said: "Police were called at around 3.18pm today (June 12) to a report of a man possibly seen in possession of a weapon in Bancroft, Hitchin.

"Officers, including the armed response unit, attended and the man was located.

"Following a search of the man and local area, it was determined he was not in possession of a weapon."