AN imitation firearm found in Chippenham is at the centre of a police investigation after an eagle-eyed member of the public contacted the force.

On Wednesday, April 17, just before 7pm police were contacted by a passerby who saw a man pointing what appeared to be a gun from a vehicle near Chamberlain Road.

A brief description of the vehicle was given to control room staff and officers were able to locate a Volkswagen Golf a short time later and bring it to a stop in the Frogwell Road area.

A search of the vehicle was made and an imitation firearm was found.

Two local men, aged 17 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

They were taken to custody in Melksham for further questioning and have since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Inspector Mark Luffman said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the vigilant member of the public who alerted us to this incident initially.

"They were able to provide a brief description of the vehicle, which, with further enquiries carried out by staff in our control room, officers on the ground were able to locate the vehicle a short time later.

“We’ve arrested two people, who have since been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out into the weapon which was seized.”

Anyone who witnessed a grey Volkswagen Golf in the Queens Crescent area at around 7pm yesterday evening, should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190036934.