ARMED police were called to St John's Road in the Maindee area of Newport last night after reports of concerns for the safety of a 28-year-old man.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman confirmed armed police did attend the incident on St John’s Road and that the matter was “safely dealt with”. The man is now in the care of the health authorities.

An area of Chepstow Road was shut off to the public after police received a call from a member of the public at 3.40pm. Officers were at the scene negotiating with the man “to secure his safety and well being”, according to police.

One resident Tweeted to say he had seen “eight police cars, a couple of riot vans, and a few armed police”. Another eyewitness said dog handlers had been spotted.