Wiltshire Police have issued a statement after armed officers swarmed a van on the A419 and dragged a man to the ground.

The incident took place just after midday on Easter Monday (April 1) at the junction between Thamesdown Drive and Cricklade Road.

One eyewitness described being 'shocked' as he watched several police officers armed with guns jump out of an unmarked BMW and drag a van driver to the floor within seconds.

"I have no idea what the incident was about or what the man had done to warrant that reaction but it must have pretty serious because all the officers were armed with guns," he said.

Wiltshire Police have now confirmed that a member of the public had reported the van driver as carrying a 'handgun'.

"Armed police officers have arrested a man in his 50s following concerns from a member of the public about a man with a suspected handgun," said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police.

"He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, possession of a weapon and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence after his vehicle was stopped on the A419 at 12.45pm today (01/04).

"He is currently in police custody and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

"There were no reported injuries."