Armed police arrested a man in Melksham this morning, after neighbours saw him shooting at cats with an imitation pistol.

Armed officers conducted a search of a property on Berryfield Park around 7.30am, after a police cordon had been set up, preventing anyone getting on or off the estate.

The 32-year-old occupant was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms, criminal damage, and affray.

He was handcuffed, and taken to nearby Melksham police station.

A silver handgun and an imitation weapon were both recovered from the scene, which are believed to be BB guns.

Neighbours have spoken about their shock at seeing armed officers on the quiet residential street.

Robert Jinman lives on Berryfield Lane, which was blocked by the police cordon.

Mr Jinman, who owns a cat, did not see the shooting incident, as he had already left the estate in the morning.

He said: “I left this morning to take my wife to work but when I came back I couldn’t get back in.

“I finally got home once they’d all gone, but I had to stay out of my own house all morning.

“This is a lovely estate, always has been, but it’s just started going downhill.”

Jess Reilly lives on Berryfield Park, opposite the house which was searched. She said: “I woke up about 7.15am this morning and there were police everywhere. Most had left by around 9am, but they were still here all morning.

“You just wouldn’t expect something like this around here.”