A maternity unit was put on lockdown after armed police were called to Watford General Hospital.

The lockdown was a precautionary measure which was sparked by a woman who reported to hospital staff that her husband had sustained a "serious injury".

Several police officers rushed to the scene, including armed response units, but they could not find the woman or the injured man.

Chief operating officer at West Herts Hospital Trust, Sally Tucker, said: "The maternity unit at Watford General Hospital went into lockdown as a precautionary measure due to a perceived emergency in Vicarage Road. The lockdown was over in 10 minutes. Our services acted immediately to protect our patients and we would like to thank Hertfordshire Constabulary for their immediate response to the situation."

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "A woman reported to staff at Watford General Hospital shortly before 2.15pm today that her husband had sustained a serious injury.

"However, upon police arrival neither the man or woman were located, and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting ISR 392 of June 18."