A MELKSHAM man accused of possessing a gun and making death threats in an incident on Christmas Day is set to appear before a crown court judge today.

Michael Robins, 35, was arrested after an incident in Queensway, on December 25, in which he is alleged to have threatened another man with an air rifle.

Robins appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Thursday charged with threatening violence while in possession of a firearm and making threats to kill.

Magistrates sent the case to Swindon Crown Court and Robins was due to make his first appearance today.

Police were called to the Melksham street around 11pm on Christmas Day, following reports of a man brandishing an air rifle.

Officers were concerned about the safety of a 12-year-old girl and a woman who were in the house, but they were allowed to leave the property four hours later.

Robins, who is staying at an address in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, is on bail with conditions not contact the alleged victim or come to Melksham.