IMITATION guns were seized during an armed police raid in Hereford last night.

Officers swooped on Sheridan Road in Moor Farm and arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. He was bailed until later next month.

The operation followed an earlier armed raid in nearby Yazor Road on Tuesday evening when concerns for the welfare of a man, who was threatening to harm himself, were raised.

The road was closed to the public while armed police entered a property.

A police statement said: “Following a search of the property and enquiries, we then attended a further address on Sheridan Road where a male had been located. Officers remained in the area after the arrest to reassure anyone affected by the incident. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

Chief Inspector Adam Thomas appreciated the events may have been “unsettling for those in the local community who may have witnessed the large police presence”.

He added: “I would like to reassure you there is no threat to the public and this was an isolated incident.”

“We acted on intelligence and we would like to thank everyone for their patience and anyone who helped us with our enquiries.”

Last month police carried out a series of armed raids at properties across the city. Four men were detained on suspicion of offences related to firearms, making threats to kill, burglary and assault before being released on bail.

No further action was taken against one of the men arrested on suspicion of assault while the three other men have been re-bailed until May.

Below: Maps detailing the approximate locations of the operation.