ARMED police raided Worcester Foregate Street station after a firearm false alarm.

Police sped to the area after a passenger said there was a man holding a gun on the train.

The station was closed and cordoned off, with huge crowds of frustrated passengers having to wait around on the pavements outside.

However no weapon was found, although a 22-year-old man was detained, with police saying the report was a false alarm made "with good intent".

As well as armed police, sniffer dogs were also called to the scene and at the height of the disruption seven police cars were parked outside the station.

Those affected included school children, college students, commuters trying to return from work and people with disabilities including those in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Screens inside the station said that trains were cancelled due to ‘disruptive passengers’ and a ‘security alert’, with replacement buses put on instead.

Local bus services were also re-directed away from the station, although the road remained open to drivers.

Anne Cox of Shrubbery Avenue, Worcester, said: “I have been trying to get to Birmingham to go to a meeting.

"I came to get the 16.22 train from Hereford to Birmingham and nobody was allowed on the platform. I waited some time and then I went over the road and had a coffee.

"There was no sign of anyone being let onto the platform. I went home and phoned the person who was organising the meeting and said I might be late or I might not arrive at all.

"I got my partner to give me a lift back, hoping to catch the 17.22 train and I have just seen the sign saying that has been cancelled due to disruptive passengers. I’m now going home to abandon the meeting.”

Probation work colleagues Ginny Guy and Ellie Bye had been on training in Worcester and were trying to get back to Hereford.

Ginny Guy said: “We were hoping to get the train from Shrub Hill to Hereford at 4.15pm. We got on that train and were told it was going to terminate because of an incident here at Foregate Street.”

The cordon was lifted at around 5pm with train services starting to get back to normal soon after and any disruption over by about 7pm.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell of West Mercia Police said: "We responded to a call at 3.47pm on Monday from a member of the public concerned about a man on a train who they thought may have been carrying a firearm.

"Officers, including armed officers, quickly attended Worcester Foregate Street Railway Station, and although a 22 year-old man has been detained, no weapon has been found and it is believed the call, made with good intent by the member of public, was a false alarm.

"We do encourage the public to report any concerns and we are grateful to the caller that we were able to ensure there were no issues.

"We understand the brief closure of the railway station may have caused delays to people on their way home today and we appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we responded to ensure there was no risk to the public."