ARMED police descended on Bewdley on Wednesday afternoon concerned for the welfare of an individual, who had reportedly barricaded himself in a flat in the town centre.

West Mercia Police arrived at the scene in Load Street at around 4.40pm on Wednesday (October 19). 

There were eight police cars and four armed reponse vans at the scene, according to a local resident.

Eyewitnesses also said a man had barricaded himself in a flat above a shop in street, before later fleeing the scene.

The police reportedly told locals to step back from the scene, while others were told to stay inside shops and pubs.

A spokesman from West Mercia Police said: "We were called at 4:40pm today (October 19) to concerns for the welfare of an individual at a property in Load Street, Bewdley.

"Armed police were in attendance as a matter of precaution due to information reported.

"There has been no risk to the public.

"Police are concerned for the welfare of the individual involved and are appealing for him to contact them to ensure that he is safe and well."

Armed police left the scene shortly before 6pm, but scores of officers still remained at the scene afterwards.

Up until around 5.50pm, the bridge had been closed and the High Street has been closed between Load Street and Redhill. This caused huge traffic congestion in the area, particularly on Bewdley bypass.

Chris Wood, from Bewdley, said: "They are going in with one of those door breakers. They are in between Le Petite Cafe and Chills, opposite Tesco.

"I was in the Archers pub having a pint with my mate. Then all of a sudden police cars turned up with their sirens going.

"The officers have machine guns. Another armed car and a dog van have just turned up."

Mr Wood, 52, said he couldn't believe it was happening as the town had an incident with an escaped bull earlier in the week.

"We had about 10 police cars and an armed response team and they ended up shooting the bull.

"We've had two incidents in the space of a week now, what are the chances? You couldn't make it up."