A Swindon pub has been ordered to shut for six weeks after armed men entered the premises brandishing machetes.

The Crumpled Horn, in Eldene, was forced to close after magistrates imposed a six-week closure order on the premises on Tuesday, March 14.

The pub was closed to the public on Tuesday evening and a sign has been put up warning that “anyone who enters the premises now who is not the owner or habitual resident commits an offence and may be arrested”.

This comes after an incident at around 8.30pm on Friday, March 10, when a group of men entered the grade II listed building wielding machetes.

Wiltshire Police applied for the closure order to be imposed due to the amount of illegal activity taking place on site.

Swindon Advertiser: The pub is closed with a warning sign attached to the door.The pub is closed with a warning sign attached to the door. (Image: Newsquest)

Swindon Magistrates Court heard that there have been 22 reports of illegal activity at the venue.

The closure will also trigger a review of the venue's licence.

Police are still searching for the four men who entered the pub with two machetes on Friday.

They are believed to have run away down the cycle path towards Shaftesbury Lane after the incident.

A spokesperson said: “Anyone with information about the incident on Friday should call 101 and quoting reference number 54230026367.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”