A man brandishing a gun was arrested in Swindon town centre today.
Christmas shoppers were seen running away from the suspect in fear as police officers swarmed The Parade and Regent Street at around 12.30pm this afternoon.
One woman who was shopping in the town with her young child told Wiltshire 999s that she was “so scared” on seeing the man “walk-up with the gun”.
Adding that “police were shouting at people to run back the other way” as they entered the busy town centre following a number of 999 calls about the incident.
She said she feared for her life – “I went into a panic and ran into Bodycare to take cover”.
A 31-year-old man was taken into custody at Gablecross Police Station after being arrested on suspicion of having a firearm in a public place. It’s believed the gun was an air rifle.
Det Sgt Justin Downes said: “The public may have seen lots of police officers around the town today responding to this incident.
“I want to reassure people that this was dealt with quickly and we have arrested a local man.
“As this took place in the middle of the day, in a busy part of Swindon, I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious.
“If you can help – please contact us on 101 quoting log 154 of today. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
