ARMED police have made arrests and seized a knife after a fight broke out outside a court in Bradford city centre.

West Yorkshire Police said the force received a report at 4.25pm today of a group of males in balaclavas "acting suspiciously" in Market Street.

Officers initially attended and said they "found all in order".  

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A large crowd formed as police dealt with an incident in Bradford city centre this afternoonA large crowd formed as police dealt with an incident in Bradford city centre this afternoon (Image: Other)

But a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the Telegraph & Argus the situation then escalated.

They said: "A short time later it was reported that a knife had been seen as males were fighting to the rear of the magistrates' court. 

"Armed officers were deployed to the location and a male was arrested. 

"A knife was also seized. 

"Further arrests have been made and enquiries into the disturbance are continuing."

Shortly before 5pm, an eyewitness told the T&A "something big" had happened.

He reported seeing firearms officers at the back of Wetherspoons and added: "There's a lot of people standing on the corner of the Ginger Goose looking back down that road."

He said the road was blocked and there was a large police presence.