The police helicopter was involved in a search for a suspected armed robber in Swindon last night.
Staff at the Esso service station on Dorcan Way called 999 after a man threatened them with a hammer at around 10.40pm.
He then stole a quantity of cigarettes before fleeing the scene.
Detectives are investigating the incident, and are appealing for anyone with information to call call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200098236.