Sunday morning update: There has been praise for the way officers handled the situation last night - particularly as it came only days after the Westminster attack. 

Worcester MP Robin Walker wrote: "Looks like local police handled this difficult situation very well.

"After a difficult week well done and thank you."

Supt Purcell also tweeted to say a big thanks to those policing this weekend in the county. 

Supt Purcell said: "A really busy weekend so far for West Mercia Police.

"Clear focus on #ThreatHarmRisk.

"Top work to keep people safe."

8.30pm UPDATE: West Mercia Police have issued a statement about the police incident.

A man with a knife ran from police, and threatened to jump into the canal towpath near the King's Head pub, at around 4.30pm.

Officers initially spoke to the man in Portland Street, before he produced the knife and threatened an officer, before running from the scene to the canal towpath near The Kings Head.

At the canalside he began to self harm and threatened to jump into an empty lock.

A trained negotiator attended and spoke to the man, before police were able to disarm him and bring him to safety. 

The 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in breach of a court order, and being in possession of a bladed item.

Superintendent for Worcestershire, Kevin Purcell, has reassured the community the incident was not terrorist related.

Supt Kevin Purcell said: "A trained negotiator attended and when the opportunity arose the man was disarmed with a police issue baton.

"First aid was given at the scene before the man was taken to hospital with what is believed to be a broken wrist.

"I am pleased that the prompt action by our officers has prevented a more serious incident occurring. No officers have been injured.

"I would like to assure members of the public that this incident was not terrorist related.

"We understand that various people may have recorded the incident on mobile phone, and we would welcome any footage that is available."

Anyone with footage or other information is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident 528S.

7.40pm Update: Worcester News readers are reporting there have been 10 police vehicles in the area, including a car and van, and an ambulance was also seen at the scene.

Samantha Williams wrote on Facebook: "We were in the Kings Head about 40mins before and all seemed ok then.

"Everything seemed to happen very quickly."

Original story: We are hearing reports the A44 in Sidbury has been closed due to a police incident. 

The section of the road, near the A38 Commandery Road and the Kings Head pub, was closed earlier this evening but later reopened.