In August 1987, lone gunman Michael Ryan went on the rampage through Hungerford, shooting dead 15 people and wounding 14 others before turning the gun on himself.

Paul Everett, 27, was jailed for three years in March 2001 after firing at his former girlfriend three times with an air rifle at point blank range in a fit of jealousy.

Alcoholic Mark Neister, 25, was jailed for six years in May 2001 after walking into the travel office of Swindon bus station and attempting to rob the clerk by pointing a replica gun at her.

In July 2001, armed police were called to Stratford Close, Toothill, where a 69-year-old woman was alleged to have brandished an imitation firearm and threatened to shoot a civilian policeman who tried to serve a summons on her. Toy guns were later found at the pensioners' flat.

Heroin addict Mark Anthony, 22, was jailed for two and a half years in February 2002 after brandishing and firing a replica handgun at doormen outside Swindon's Destiny and Desire nightclub.

Two months ago, 40-year-old Robert Smith held an 18-month-boy and his father hostage in their Trowbridge home following a 16-hour siege. Mr Smith fired several shots before being shot by police marksmen. The father and son escaped unhurt. Mr Smith suffered hip injuries.