Armed police swooped after receiving reports that a man in Welwyn Garden City had approached a car with someone sitting inside before "shots were fired in the air".

The incident happened in Upperfield Road, Welwyn Garden City, at around 10.30am on Saturday, following a report of an altercation. 

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms offences and possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.  

Police are appealing for witnesses and information to the incident as they confirmed two women were also arrested for assisting an offender.

Detective Inspector Beth Hanna said: “I appreciate this incident will have concerned members of the local community. We believe this was an isolated incident involving people who are believed to be known to each other. Officers will remain in the area today (Sunday) and I encourage anyone who has any concerns to please go and speak to them. 

“We are grateful to everyone who has spoken to us so far and assisted with our enquiries. If anyone witnessed the incident and is yet to speak to police, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you have doorbell cameras, please review your footage as you may have captured something that could assist with our investigation.” 

It is reported that a man approached a vehicle which had an occupant inside and it is believed shots were fired in the air. The suspect then left the scene in a black van and after a short time, returned to the area. 

A number of resources were deployed to the scene, including armed police officers, and the man was arrested.

Following fast-time enquiries, officers located and seized a black van in Cole Green Lane. Two women, aged in their 30s, were located inside the vehicle and arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.  

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the force communications room via the online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/83301/24.