A MAN was taken to hospital after a medical incident in The Lexicon.

The incident is believed to have occurred at the Braccan Walk this evening. 

The town centre was shut for a brief time while the emergency services attended.

Earlier in the evening word had spread on social media that there had been a stabbing with a machete, though these rumours have now been dispelled. 

Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker confirmed that there was no such stabbing in the town centre. 

He said: "I can confirm that there was categorically no stabbing. 

"The problem with social media nowadays is that word spreads like wildfire."

Thames Valley Police confirmed that they had attended the scene. 

A spokesman said: "Officers have been assisting our emergency service partners today after a man experienced a medical episode.

"Cordons were put in place at The Lexicon shopping centre earlier to allow South Central Ambulance Service to provide treatment to the man, who was taken to hospital.

"This is not being treated as a crime and the cordons have now been lifted. Officers will be leaving the area shortly – thank you for your patience and understanding while we were attending."

A SCAS spokesman said: "This was a medical emergency. There has been some incorrect speculation. A male patient was taken to hospital after treatment at the scene for a life threatening condition.

"That is all the information we are releasing at this time."

More follows.