UPDATE: Two boys arrested following assault involving a firearm in Swindon town centre
Armed police and specially trained paramedics rushed to Swindon town centre this evening.
Emergency services were called to the Regent Street area following an incident at around 7.30pm today (Tuesday, 30 August).
A witness claims a male was robbed at gunpoint near The Savoy public house. It’s thought the firearm was discharged several times, sparking a manhunt.
The police helicopter was deployed, along with armed officers on the ground. Though it’s not believed any suspects were arrested.
Covert officers from Wiltshire Police’s Foritude team were also on scene, with some officers checking CCTV footage of nearby businesses — including Subway.
Four Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) units from Bristol were called to the scene. They are specially trained to deal with casualties at firearms incidents, among many other situations.
It is not yet clear whether this incident is being linked to the gunpoint robbery at Rivermead Skate Park yesterday evening.
Wiltshire Police has been approached for comment.
