ARMED police were deployed to Malvern last night following reports of a drunken male armed with a blade.

Officers were called to Pound Bank Road, Malvern at 6.08pm last night (Saturday) after they received reports that an 'intoxicated male' had caused damage and threatened others with a bladed weapon.

One person was reported with a hand injury which was later found to be none life threatening. Armed and unarmed police were deployed and one male was arrested for affray.

The incident happened at the junction of Moat Way and Pound Bank Road by the shops. West Mercia Police confirmed the weapon was in fact a modified beer can.

The male was subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Inspector Andy Smith of West Mercia Police said: "Whilst armed police were deployed there was no immediate danger to the wider community.

"The incident was an isolated one that was dealt with quickly and the offender arrested. Police staff are in the area today to provide some reassurance to the community.

We would appeal to anyone who witnessed this in Pound Bank Road to contact the police quoting the incident number."

Supt Kevin Purcell, policing commander for South Worcestershire, referred to the incident on Twitter as a 'serious assault' and praised the 'great work' by the operations patrol unit (armed/roads policing) and the dogs section.

A witness who lives nearby saw part of the incident and said she saw one man, described as 'a really angry guy' chasing another man around a car. She said the man who had been in the Chinese takeaway believed this 'angry' man had damaged his car and a fight broke out between the men.

She said: "They started hitting each other. This woman came out of nowhere and hit the guy (the man who had been in the Chinese takeaway) with a plank of wood. Someone else said it had nails in it but I never saw the nails.

"I think she hit him once or twice. There was lots of noise. The police came really fast. One of the police officers stayed outside Costcutter."

Her mother said: "There was a big crowd opposite Costcutter. I want to move house. What's it going to be next? It's not safe for kids."

Another woman said: "I know what happened. I saw what happened. I ain't telling you what happened."

West Mercia Police are appealing for information about this incident and those who have information can call the West Mercia Police non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 550s 160515.