Two stores cordoned off and helicopter called in after armed robberies

The police helicopter and specialist search dogs have been involved in the hunt for suspects after two armed robberies.

The robberies took place at around 3.30pm at Ermin Food and Wine and Grange Convenience Store, both in Lower Stratton.

Armed police officers (pictured) attended the scene, with guns drawn in the Church Street area where it’s said the suspects fled via.

Despite an extensive search on the ground and from the sky, the search was called off after around 40 minutes.

Detectives from Swindon CID are attending the scene, currently speaking with shop staff, while a crime scene investigator photographs the scene.