'Armed police' seen outside hospital

A witness has described seeing large numbers of armed police outside a hospital.

Bedfordshire Police said it attended the scene of an incident in Lewsey Road outside the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, although the hospital remained open as usual.

The force said officers had earlier been called to the scene of a stabbing in Dallow Road, Luton, just after 12:40 GMT.

Two people were taken to hospital with serious but not life-changing injuries.

Lewsey Road has now reopened and officers said they have been investigating the incident.

Steven, who did not wish to give his surname, told the BBC he had seen "police everywhere with guns" and several police vehicles when he arrived at the hospital at 13:10 to take his wife for a scan.

"At that point Lewsey Road was not closed, but when we came out of our appointment at around three o'clock, it was sealed off and there were loads more vehicles," he said.

Bedfordshire Police said: "We understand this is concerning for the local community, but would like to reassure residents that is a contained incident and a large police presence is in place as part of our response."

The Luton and Dunstable Hospital issued a statement saying: "Our car parks on Lewsey Road are currently not accessible and we would advise leaving more time for travel to the hospital."

Bedfordshire Police has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them calling 101.

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