Police have released an update after a major emergency services response to a bomb threat in Swindon town centre. 

At around 9:30pm on Saturday, August 3, a 41-year-old man from Southrop, Gloucestershire reportedly told officers he had a bomb in The Parade.

Officers cordoned off the area until 2:30am and a man, who has not been identified, was arrested, while the package was assessed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Town centre residents took to social media to report hearing loud bangs, while others said they were evacuated from pubs and being escorted home by officers.

Read More: Bomb threat suspect arrested after Swindon town centre drama

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

(Image: Liam Matthews)

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.

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"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."

By Monday, August 5, Wiltshire Police confirmed the male was released on bail pending further investigations.

They have since confirmed that no further action was taken against the 41-year-old as he was not found to have explosives in his possession.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “A controlled explosion took place on the male's belongings, and he was never found to have any explosives near or on him. So, there was no further action taken.”

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