Police have explained why people in Helston woke up this morning to the town centre taped off and scenes 'like a war zone' according to one witness.

Coinagehall Street was shut off by police early this morning, with tape between the traffic lights and the Central Methodist Church and flashing lights from the emergency vehicles. 

A forensic photographer could also be seen taken photos.

Julia Wren, owner of JJ News near the bottom of the street, posted a photo before dawn saying: "Helston is like a war zone this morning. Police have taped off Coinagehall Street between traffic lights and chapel. Forensic photographer present."

She went on to tell the Packet: "We've never, ever seen it taped off or a photographer there.

"We're used to having fights out there, but that was 'What's going on?'

"It was quite worrying to see that."

One person on social media described how a man could be seen lying down in the road, with cars continuing to go around him.

However, police have now told the Packet that the incident was not as serious as first feared.

The on duty incident manager for Devon and Cornwall Police said that a man had been assaulted early this morning.

She said: "At the time his injuries were unclear, so it was treated as serious while we investigated and the scene was preserved.

"However, we believe the injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing, so the scene has been lifted."

She went on to say that police continued to investigate the incident and anyone with information or who saw what happened should contact police on 101, reference 123 of October 16, 2021.