ARMED police descended on a takeaway restaurant after a man demanded cash and threatened staff.

Staff at the outlet in East Street, Taunton, raised the alarm at about 10.55pm last night (Saturday).

After they had refused his demands, the man in his 20s locked himself in the toilets.

Police officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the premises before negotiating with the man to leave the toilets.

The door was opened shortly afterwards and the culprit was detained and taken to Musgrove Park Hospital.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "Armed officers attended as a precaution and to provide community reassurance."