A MAN with a sword in Hengoed was arrested yesterday, Gwent Police have said.

The man was seen on Hawthorn Avenue in the area with the sword at 9.30am on Monday morning, before being arrested by officers.

Nearby school Hengoed Primary locked its doors as a precaution during the incident.

According to police, a 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "A man was seen with a sword and this was obviously a concern for the public.

"Police have now recovered a sword and it is now in our possession."

Officers said Hengoed Primary was temporarily locked as a "precautionary measure" for a brief time to ensure the safety of the pupils.

A spokesperson on behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council and Hengoed Primary School said: “The safety of pupils is paramount and the school followed all appropriate procedures after concerns were raised about a suspicious individual in the area.

"All the children are fine and nursery pupils went home as usual at 12 noon.

"Parents of all other classes were advised to collect their children at the end of the school day as normal.”