Willow GroveARMED police officers were called to a Trowbridge estate at the weekend after reports of a man carrying with a knife.

Twenty officers equipped with riot gear including CS gas and protective shields were involved in the incident at Willow Grove, on the College estate, on Sunday.

Residents have been left shocked and frightened by the incident, which was the culmination of months of trouble in the area.

One elderly resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I was terrified by it. I heard a lot of running about and screaming and shouting.

"I wouldn't even look out of my peephole to see what was going on or pick up the phone because I was so frightened."

The pensioner said she is now considering leaving her home of 30 years because she no longer feels safe.

Her daughter said: "It would be such a shame if she had to leave but she is terrified to even go outside to put something in the bin. This just can't go on."

Police closed the road and called in trained negotiators and dog teams to deal with the incident.

Insp Glynn Hookings of Trowbridge Police said: "In this situation the priority is always the safety of the public and police officers.

"Officers are trained to deal with incidents involving knives but it is always usual to call in the firearms team because of the potential threat to the lives of police or the public."

In the end, the situation was resolved by officers without negotiators needing to get involved. No-one was hurt but neighbours are worried further trouble might erupt and fear reprisals if they speak out.

Another neighbour said: "It is not the first time the police have been called and it does worry me.

"Anyone could have been injured. It is not so bad for me because I am young but I worry about the old people. They shouldn't be frightened like this, it is just not on."

A 39-year-old local man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with affray.

He was released on police bail and was due to appear before magistrates in Salisbury yesterday.

l In a separate incident on Sunday morning police were called in after reports of man armed with a knife in Pitman Avenue, Trowbridge.

Officers were called to the scene just before 9.30am by ambulance control.

Acting Sgt Paul Clarke said: "We think the report of a knife came from the man himself but we never saw any sign of it."

A 46-year-old Trowbridge man was detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to Roundway Hospital.