A man has been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery following an incident in Swindon yesterday.
Police were called following a report of an incident in Rivermead Industrial Estate, Westlea, shortly after 5pm yesterday.
A man, who was armed with what was believed to be a handgun, had allegedly stolen a lorry.
This vehicle was intercepted by armed police in the Ridge Green area and subsequently a police firearm was discharged.
A 59-year-old man suffered a leg wound and was taken to Southmead Hospital for treatment. His injury is not believed to be life-threatening and he remains in hospital.
He has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said: “I want to thank everyone living in this part of Swindon for their patience and understanding while we dealt with last night’s incident.
“This was a rapidly developing situation which saw officers on the scene within minutes of the calls being made to us.
“I know it would have been very concerning for those living nearby and I want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident which was dealt with by specially trained officers.
“Due to the fact that a police firearm was discharged, this has been automatically referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and they will now be leading an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Finally, I want to thank all the officers and staff who attended what was a difficult and fast-paced situation.”
Officers from the Swindon Community Policing Team will be carrying out increased patrols in the area throughout today to provide an increased presence and reassurance for local people.
