A bomb scare saw an area of Swindon town centre cordoned off by police for hours overnight.

At around 9.30pm on Saturday, police say they were told by a man who said he had a bomb in The Parade. 

Officers cordoned off the area until 2.30am. A man was arrested and the package was assessed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

The suspect, 41 and from Gloucestershire, is now in custody.

Town centre residents described hearing loud bangs on social media. 

One comment read: "I was put in lockdown as my flat is in town centre, police everywhere then these explosions which literally made the flat shake."

Another commenter said: "2 loud bangs in town area, was a post up earlier about people being evacuated from pubs as there was a bomb scare, police were all outside my door.

"My partner had to be escorted to our property this evening! 2 bangs within the space of 25-30 minutes."

Chief Superintendent Phil Staynings said: "On August 3 at around 9.30pm we received reports from a man that he had a bomb in The Parade, Swindon.

"A 100-metre cordon was established in the town centre while the man was arrested and the package was assessed and dealt with by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

"A controlled explosion was carried out as a precaution, and the cordon was lifted around 2.30am.

"A 41-year-old man from Southrop, Gloucestershire has been arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat. They remain in custody at this time.

"Thank you to the local community for your patience and assistance while this incident was resolved.

"Wiltshire Police recognise this was the same location where a protest was held earlier in the day but do not believe the two incidents to be connected."