Armed police are hunting a teenage girl spotted carrying what appeared to be a firearm in the centre of a Worcestershire town.

The High Street in Droitwich was closed at about 6.20pm but was later re-opened although the girl, in her mid to late teens, was still at large.

Police warned the public “not to approach her”.

West Mercia Police said in a statement: “Armed officers were deployed in Droitwich this evening after police received reports of a female carrying a firearm.

“The female is described as being white, in her mid to late teens, with short light brown hair and wearing a pink t-shirt.

“An area around the High Street was closed after the incident was reported at 6.20pm but has now been reopened.

“There remains a high police presence in the area while they continue to search for her. If anyone sees the female, they should not approach her but call the police immediately on 999.”