Dozens of officers, some armed, were called in after officers at Chipperfield near Kings Langley realised they were under attack.

Police were alerted to the burning Vauxhall Nova at 2015 GMT on Thursday.

When shots were fired they cordoned off the area.

Green Goddesses were turned away and the car left to burn itself out.

In total, 67 officers attended the scene, including negotiators and firearms control and police support units.

Just after 0500GMT on Friday, eight people were arrested and taken to Hemel Hempstead and Watford police stations for questioning.

Police said on Friday they did not yet know what type of firearm was involved.