NO explanation has been given for the level of the huge emergency response that saw Hereford city centre cordoned off.

Armed police were called in on Monday (March 27) as emergency crews responded to a "serious concern for welfare".

UPDATE, 12.30PM: Armed police were called to threats of 'significant harm' to baby

They were joined by unarmed officers and police dog handlers, while the entirety of Hereford's High Town was cordoned off at around 3.30pm.

The Midlands Air Ambulance, paramedics, paramedic officers, and an emergency doctor were also called to the scene.

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Officers were seen breaking open the door at the former H. Samuel shop next to Santander in High Town, with West Mercia Police headquarters stating that the incident was a concern for welfare and asking people to avoid the area.

Hereford Times:

The incident response was later scaled back, with the cordon moved to cover only the area in front of Santander and the former H. Samuels shop.

Police said at 7.22pm said that officers were responding to a concern for a person’s safety at a house in High Town.

"Whilst there have been no arrests made, there is a continued police presence and an earlier road closure at East Street and an earlier police cordon have both now been lifted," a force spokesperson said.

"We would like to reassure local people this is an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public."

The remainder of the cordon removed shortly after this statement was issued, with one police car and officers remaining on the scene through the evening.

At 10.08pm, a West Mercia Police spokesperson said that they had been called "to a concern for someone’s safety and welfare at a home in East Street, High Town in Hereford."

Hereford Times:

"The incident has now been brought to a safe resolution and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding," the spokesperson said.

The force has not, however, confirmed the reason as to why the callout required such a large response.

We are continuing to seek further information from the emergency services, and will bring you updates as soon as we receive them.