The A&E department at Watford Hospital was evacuated late last night due an armed man.

Hertfordshire Constabulary were called just before 11.30pm to reports of a man brandishing a ‘large hunting knife’ in the A&E reception area.

Twitter user Josh Ellis tweeted at 11.34pm that his girlfriend was locked in a ward at the hospital.

He shared a conversation between them. In it, she messages him, saying: “All I heard was GO GO GO and legged it.”

Watford Observer:

The A&E department was cleared of people. Pictures taken at the scene show staff and patients gathered outside the acute admissions unit – some patients in wheelchairs and beds.

Police said no one was injured.

A 24-year-old man from Watford was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and causing a delay to emergency services. He remains in police custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Jason Finnegan said: “This incident was obviously upsetting and distressing for the staff and patients within A&E at the time of the incident. Thankfully no-one was hurt, and officers were able to swiftly attend and quickly arrest the man.”

Cllr Tim Williams added: "When the emergency was raised there was initial panic and fear from the people there, but everyone promptly vacated the area in an orderly fashion.

"To be fair to the trust, the situation was quickly contained, and we were allowed back in the building after twenty minutes or so."

West Herts Hospitals Trust chief operating officer, Sally Tucker, said: “The situation was quickly diffused thanks to the actions of an off duty security officer. 

"We are very grateful to the police who were on the scene within minutes and swiftly removed the patient. Fortunately, no patients or staff were hurt. 

"I would like to thank our staff for handling the situation so well and ensuring the safety of our patients.”