Firearms officers attend scene in Luton after man 'barricaded himself in house with machete'

The incident took place in Salisbury Road just after 12pm and officers from as far away as Leighton Buzzard were called to provide back-up.

Luckily, firearms officers were able to negotiate with the man and it is understood the call for back-up was quickly stood down.

One person wrote online: "It was very scary, [the] man came out into street running towards people with a knife. Thank God no one was injured."

A Beds Police spokesman said: "We were called just after 12pm today (Wednesday) to an incident in Salisbury Road, Luton, in which we responded to a concern for welfare.

"Armed response officers attended and the road was closed for a short time whilst the incident was dealt with and the man was brought to safety.

"He was then arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident that had occurred shortly before and is currently in police custody."

Leighton Buzzard Community Policing team stated online: "One minute you are on patrol, next minute you are in station donning your level 2 Police Support Unit kit to deal with a violent man barricaded in house with machete.

"On this occasion negotiations led by our firearms team led to the male surrendering before our public order team was dispatched, so it time to de-kit and to go back on patrol."