Armed officers were in Hitchin town centre on Friday evening as police arrested a man alleged to be making threats with an axe and a knife.
Police rushed to Churchyard just before 5pm to reports that a man had made threats towards another man while holding the two weapons, following an argument.
Firearms officers attended to ensure the safety of officers and the members of the public.
A 30-year-old man from Hitchin was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, affray and criminal damage.
He has been released on police bail while investigations continue, and is set to return to a police station on February 21.
Nobody was injured during the incident.
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