An eyewitness has recalled her horror after watching brave shoppers apprehend a teen carrying a knife in Swindon town centre

The shocking incident happened over the Easter weekend and ended with police pinned a 17-year-old to the floor near the Metro Bank in The Parade.

Police later confirmed the armed youth was arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of a class B drug.

One shopper, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was shocked by what she saw at around 2pm on Saturday afternoon (April 8).

“I was walking through the town centre on my way to the Sir Daniel Arms from the bus station," she said. "As I walked down The Parade, my friend and I saw a moped scooter thrown across the floor on its side.

Swindon Advertiser:

“As the parade is a pedestrianised area, we were confused how or why it was there. Up ahead we heard a commotion and a large gathering of people.

“There was shouting and lots of people stood around watching as two people struggled on the floor.

“Just as we reached the site where the man was being held down, one police officer arrived and got involved."

The Wanborough woman said hearing about the weapon after the incident left her feeling unsettled.

“We didn’t know there was a knife involved at the time, but looking back, if I would have known, I would have been scared to think what he would have done next,” she said.

“It’s just not what you expect on a Bank Holiday afternoon. We just wanted a quiet drink in the sun.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called to the Parade, in Swindon town centre at just after 2pm this afternoon to reports of a man carrying a knife.

“He was detained by members of the public before our officers arrived on the scene.

“A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article in a public place and possession of a class B drug.

“We would like to thank the bravery and quick thinking of those members of the public who stepped in to detain the suspect.”