Dozens of arrests, drunken assaults, a dispersal order, reports of a grenade, and the lifesaving effort of a good Samaritan encompassed what was just another weekend for Swindon’s police.

The force dealt with 294 reports between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Monday, which included domestic assaults, missing people, robbery, blackmail, traffic incidents, a few misdialled 999 calls, and the discovery of a grenade that turned out to be hollow. 

Officers arrested 33 people around the borough while more than 1,000 people were estimated to be out enjoying the lead-up to Christmas.

Six of these suspects were handcuffed on suspicion of common assault, public order, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and assault on an emergency worker.

A police spokesperson said: “We are pleased to say that our colleague who was assaulted will suffer no long-term effects and the person responsible has been charged.

“As a result of these issues, a section 35 dispersal notice was put in place in the Old Town area to help manage the crowds.

“It was disappointing to see the amount of detritus left in the streets by those who had been out and about. This is our town and we all play a part in how it is and how it is perceived so let us all work together to make it better.”

Police also responded to mental health incidents and helped search for missing vulnerable people.

A spokesperson added: “Whilst Christmas is a time for many to celebrate, we know that not everyone looks forward to it and this may be for a variety of reasons – including mental and physical health concerns, reflecting on events of the past and the apprehension of the future, money concerns or grieving over the absence of a loved one.”

A member of the public spotted a person in need of mental health support on the wrong side of the overbridge above the A419.

After realising that the person was in distress, the good Samaritan put them in a bear hug and held them until officers arrived and took the suicidal person to hospital.

The police spokesperson said: “The selfless and brave actions of the member of the public highlight the intrinsic good in people and demonstrate that just because someone doesn’t know you, it doesn’t mean that they don’t care."

Officers also found a high-risk missing person who had taken an overdose and then ensured the adult was taken to hospital for ongoing care.

Samaritans has a free 24-hour helpline on 116 123, SANEline on 0300 304 7000 between 4.30pm and 10.30pm, or the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 from 6pm to midnight.