Man arrested after public threatened with knife

A Google Streetview image of Faringdon Road. It has Victorian terraced houses on the right side, mostly built of red brick, and a park with large green trees on the left behind a brick wall with an iron fence. Image source, Google
Image caption,

Officers were called to the scene at about 18:00 GMT on Saturday

  • Published

A man has been arrested after members of the public were threatened with a knife.

Wiltshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a man in his 50s was seen waving a knife in the air and threatening a victim as he walked down Faringdon Road, Swindon, at about 18:00 GMT on Saturday.

The suspect then travelled to nearby Reading Street and banged on a front door, where a physical altercation took place between him and the occupant who he threatened to kill.

Officers attended the scene and arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place, threats to kill, affray and threats to commit criminal damage.

He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

Investigating officer PC Moffat, based in Swindon, said: "We appreciate the significant amount of concern that this incident has had on local residents and please be reassured that we are taking it incredibly seriously.

"We are conducting high-visibility patrols in the area and we are working with our partner agencies to address residents' concerns and find a long-term solution."

He urged any witnesses to get in touch with police.

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