A man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, threats to cause criminal damage, and assault following an incident in Harpenden.

The incident began at around 6.45am this morning (Wednesday, March 22), when police received reports of a disturbance at a property in Pickford Hill.

Officers arrived to find that the man had barricaded himself inside the property.

Herts Advertiser: A large police presence could be seen at the location.A large police presence could be seen at the location. (Image: Pearce Bates, Newsquest)

A heavy emergency services presence was seen at the location, with police cars and vans, a fire engine and multiple ambulances present.

Armed police and drones were also spotted at the scene.

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Local residents were evacuated to Sauncey Wood School, with the primary school taking the decision to close early.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said at the time: "A block of flats near to the school has been evacuated and residents affected have been offered use of the school hall to take shelter.

Herts Advertiser: Armed police were seen at the location.Armed police were seen at the location. (Image: Pearce Bates, Newsquest)

                                                                                                 

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"The school has taken the decision to close early today."

A police statement followed shortly, detailing: "Police, the fire service and the ambulance service are currently in attendance at an address in Pickford Hill, Harpenden.

"Police were called at around 6.45am this morning to reports of a disturbance.

Herts Advertiser: Two police drones were used above the incident.Two police drones were used above the incident. (Image: Pearce Bates / Newsquest)

"Officers arrived at the scene to find that a man had barricaded himself inside the property, raising concerns for both his welfare and the safety of the emergency services who were in attendance.

"There is still a heavy emergency services presence at the scene as this incident is ongoing.

"There is a police cordon in place and several residents have been evacuated as a precaution.

"We would ask the public to please avoid the area where possible."

Herts Advertiser: A man was escorted from the property at around 2.34pm.A man was escorted from the property at around 2.34pm. (Image: Pearce Bates / Newsquest)

At around 2.34pm, a man was escorted from the scene and into a police van.

Hertfordshire police later confirmed that an arrest had been made on suspicion of criminal damage, threats to cause criminal damage, and assault.

From then, the emergency services left the incident and the road was reopened.