POLICE descended on a village cul-de-sac in force to arrest three workmen believed to be constructing a driveway. More than seven police cars, one of which contained armed police, arrived at Ash Copse off Bucknalls Drive in Bricket Wood last Friday morni

POLICE descended on a village cul-de-sac in force to arrest three workmen believed to be constructing a driveway.

More than seven police cars, one of which contained armed police, arrived at Ash Copse off Bucknalls Drive in Bricket Wood last Friday morning.

They arrested three men carrying out work on a property in the street which is thought to have now been left unfinished.

A local resident said the well-known workmen had done a number of jobs around the area.

He described the police operation as "quite a daunting experience" for residents as the police were rarely seen in the village, let alone so many officers at once or any armed with guns.

The resident saw three people arrested, handcuffed and frogmarched into a police wagon before their vehicles and equipment were seized.

A spokesperson for Herts Police confirmed that the three men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by failing to disclose information under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A 57-year-old man from Redbourn was given police bail and the other two men arrested were released without any further investigation.

In light of the incident, police are advising residents to be aware of their rights before agreeing to any work at their homes.

Detective Constable Neil Barella, from the case investigation team, said:"It's important that you should know your rights before having any work carried out at your property. For example, you have the right to cancel any work within seven days - and you must be told this by the company. They must also give you a written contract, as a verbal one is not valid and is not legal.

"If you have any doubts about a company then you shouldn't go ahead with any work.