ARMED police swooped on Trowbridge town centre this afternoon to dramatically arrest a man for a firearms-related offences.

The arrest followed rumours of an incident involving a firearm circulating in the area around The Shires Shopping Centre.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "We would like to reassure the public that whilst a report of a man with a firearm was reported at around 14.45 hours, this incident was quickly dealt with and a man has been arrested following a thorough search of the area by armed and unarmed officers.

"The male is currently in Melksham custody having been arrested for firearms related offences, and an imitation firearm believed to have been used in the offence was found near to where the male was located.

"Clearly incidents of this nature can cause alarm and I would like to thank a number members of public, as well as the CCTV operators who assisted the police in bringing this to a swift and safe conclusion."