TWO teenagers - one of whom is believed to have had a firearm - are in police custody after a brutal assault in the town centre.

Police are investigating after two people on an electric bike approached a man in his 30s at 6.55pm on Regent Street yesterday and attacked him, causing minor injuries to his face and nose and breaking one of his teeth.

One of the suspects is believed to have had a firearm in his possession at the time but police do not believe it was used.

Two 14-year-old boys have since been arrested on suspicion of Actual Bodily Harm and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

They were also arrested on suspicion of robbery in relation to a separate incident which happened in Rivermead Skate Park on Monday, where three masked attackers stole an electric bike from a man in his 30s and hit him in the face and head.

The suspects remain in custody at Gablecross for questioning.

Det Insp Rachel Hardy said: “Due to the nature of this latest incident, there was a large police presence in Swindon town centre last night which I understand would have caused concern to the local community.

"Officers conducted extensive searches to locate the individuals involved and have made two arrests in connection with both this incident and the incident in Rivermead Drive.

“Two incidents of such a similar nature in Swindon in just a matter of days will no doubt be concerning for local residents.

"Please be reassured that we are conducting an extremely thorough investigation into both incidents and questioning of two individuals will take place today.

“We would urge anyone with information about either of these incidents to call 101 immediately – even if you think the information you have may not be relevant, it could significantly assist detectives with their enquiries.”

Call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220091750, or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.