Police arrested a suspect armed with a blade after cordoning off a town centre petrol station.

The dramatic scene unfolded in the middle of Saturday afternoon (March 18) after reports of a man causing damage to the forecourt of the Applegreen fuel station near Asda.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Emergency services partially blocked Bythesea Road and access to The Shires shopping centre as they arrested the man on Saturday. Photo: John BakerEmergency services partially blocked Bythesea Road and access to The Shires shopping centre as they arrested the man on Saturday. Photo: John Baker (Image: John Baker)

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “We responded to reports of a man causing damage to the forecourt of a petrol station on Bythesea Road in Trowbridge on Saturday (March 18) at around 3pm.

“A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

“He has been released on bail.”

Several police vehicles, a paramedic and an ambulance attended the scene, which partially blocked access to The Shires shopping centre.

Shoppers were forced to drive on the wrong side of the carriageway to get round the vehicles to access The Shires car park.