A man received hospital treatment after armed officers were deployed on the streets of Hitchin this weekend.

Police received a report of concerns for the welfare of a male in St Faiths Close, Hitchin [early] Sunday morning.

At around 320am, officers who had attended the close were approached by a man holding what appeared to be a handgun.

Armed police officers were deployed and the man was detained.

Two baton rounds were discharged in the course of the incident.

A police spokesman confirmed to Hitchin Nub News: "A 28 year old man was arrested in relation to firearms offences.

"The man received minor injuries as a result of the incident and was taken to hospital as a precaution."

An eyewitness tweeted: "Sleepy Hitchin wasn't so sleepy [Sunday] night...police shouting and running: 'Get on the ground now, this is the police."