Four men are in custody after a major police operation in Swindon today (Wednesday).
Firearms officers led a raid on a flat in Galsworthy Close, Liden – with roads cordoned off. Police executed a warrant at the address in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers, known as CTSFOs, were deployed alongside local firearms officers from Wiltshire Police were involved in the incident.
Around 25 police officers were on scene alongside Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedics, who were wearing ballistic vests.
Shortly after midday, four men were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences, the force confirmed in a statement. They are in custody for questioning.
Pictures captured by a local resident show the four men in handcuffs, being walked away from the target address and into separate police vans.
The force said that while CTSFOs were deployed, the incident was not terrorism related.
Inspector Joe Senior said: “I would like to thank the local community for their support while we conducted this operation, which has now been resolved peacefully.
“Members of the public may have been concerned to see armed officers deployed to the scene.
“It is important to make clear that although such specialist firearms teams are sometimes referred to as Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFOs) this does not indicate that the incident is terrorism related. For clarity, this was not a terrorism related incident.
“These officers support regional colleagues in a range of situations where their skills help support public safety.
“This was a precautionary measure and I’m pleased to say that no weapons were discharged and there were no reported injuries.
““The support of our communities is vital and is an important factor in fighting crime.
“If you see something that doesn’t look right or have any information about suspected criminality, please report it either online or by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999.”
