A suspected gunman sparked an armed police response in Swindon town centre today.

Officers from Wiltshire Police were sent to the incident, which took place on Thursday morning (March 14) in the town centre, after panicked members of the public called 999.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

Police have now confirmed that the weapon found at the scene was an imitation firearm and the suspect remains in custody.

"We responded to reports of a man in Swindon town centre this morning (March 14) with what appeared to be a handgun," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police.

"Armed officers were deployed as a precaution and the suspect was arrested on suspicion of profession of an imitation firearm shortly afterwards. 

"The man is currently in police custody."