Two schools closed after three injured in 'large-scale disturbance'

Police and ambulance crews were called to High Elms Lane at 9pm yesterday.

A man in his 20s was treated for a serious chest injury and was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

A second patient was treated for a gunshot wound to his shoulder and a third patient with a head injury was taken to hospital after sustaining what is believed to be a stab wound.

He has since been released.

High Elms Lane will be closed for several hours, and only those doing GCSEs will be allowed to gain access to St Michael's School.

Police said four men are in custody and CCTV enquiries are continuing and witnesses are being spoken to.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “I fully understand that this may cause concern in the local community but I would like to reassure people we are doing all we can to establish exactly what has happened.

"At this stage it is believed to be an isolated incident between parties known to each other, who were attending a private party.

“As arrests have been made it is important not to speculate on what has happened so as not to prejudice any action going forward and I would urge people to be responsible when posting on social media."

High Elms Lane is closed after the incident.

An eyewitness, who lives in Bucknalls Lane and asked not to be named, said a fight started at a party being held at High Elms Manor. 

They said: "I know people who were there. They got stuck at midnight and were not allowed to leave until everyone was questioned."

A police source told the Observer: “A hip-hop group had booked the house.

“They have had a party. But it has got out of hand.

“These people are not from Watford.”

Parmiters School and St Michael's Catholic High School, both in Garston, have announced they will be closed today as a result of the road closure.

West Herts Crematorium in High Elms Lane is open.

St Michael's will open to staff and pupils who have exams this afternoon. They will be allowed access via the A405 side.

A statement on Parmiters website read: "We have been informed by Childrens' Services that police have closed High Elms Lane following a serious incident last night. 

"We have been told that the school will be closed until at least early afternoon.  We have no alternative, other than to close the school today."

1/2 High Elms Lane, Abbots Langley, is currently closed following a police incident & is expected to remain closed for several hours.

— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) June 13, 2016

2/2 Access to schools in the area will be affected so please check whether they are open before travelling.

— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) June 13, 2016

More to follow.