An arrest was made after a man was ‘hit over the head with a fire extinguisher’ in Swindon.
More than a dozen police officers raced to Sheppard Street following reports of a disorder breaking out shortly after 10pm yesterday (Thursday, 23 November).
On their arrival, the prime suspect – a man aged in his 20s – attempted to headbutt officers as they detained him. Tasers were drawn, but it’s not clear if officers shot the suspect.
The victim, a man aged in his 20s, sustained a head injury after he was reportedly being struck with a fire extinguisher. Locals provided first aid as police dealt with the perpetrator.
The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
But he was further arrested on suspicion of common assault and assaulting an emergency worker. He remains in custody at Gablecross for questioning.
It’s thought that the first officers to arrival at the incident press their panic buttons, which explains why 13 colleagues were present – including two armed officers.
An eyewitness told Wiltshire 999s that both men were fighting in the street whilst in possession of weapons, including a frying pan and the fire exingisher.
Local residents claim disorder, violence and drug dealing is commonplace in Sheppard Street – which is home to a B&B that houses homeless people, including addicts and criminals.
In April, emergency services were called to the property after a man set fire to a bedsit. He was arrested and on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
A few months earlier, in January, a man was on suspicion of threatening to commit arson and threatening to commit criminal damage at the same location.
