ARMED police arrested a man following an allegation that he threatened someone with a knife.

About 20 police converged on housing association flats at Chandler Close, near Christ Church, Old Town, including two officers with bullet-proof vests and rifles and two police dogs.

Following a brief dialogue with officers a man aged about 19 appeared from a flat and was asked to put his hands in the air.

He was then removed to Westlea Police Station for questioning.

The drama started followed what is believed to have been a dispute between a flat resident and his guest.

Police sealed off the entrance to Chandler Close as passers-by looked on.

Dog handlers were brought in from Chippenham, as well as the armed response unit, and rendezvoused in the Christ Church car park before attending the scene.

Experts were on hand and an ambulance was put on stand by at the end of Chandler Close as a precautionary measure.

The man inside the flat appeared, wearing a white shirt and grey waistcoat and with his hands held aloft, as soon as police approached the flat shortly after 2pm.

Chandler Close resident Daniel Lightbody, 21, who works for RP Shearer, said: "The first thing I noticed was a blue Sierra estate surrounded by three police cars.

"The police were talking to two women."

Another resident, 16-year-old Churchfields School pupil Jake Haines, said: "I'm trying to get home to have my dinner but they won't let me."

Swindon police spokesman Alvina Kumar confirmed that police were alerted to an incident at a flat in the Close about 11am yesterday.

She said: "The description given of the man inside the premises fitted that of a male sought for questioning in relation to an alleged possession of a firearm.

"In view of these circumstances the area was cordoned off and specialist units including police dog handlers were called in.

"This was a precautionary procedure. Our main concern was that for the safety and well-being of the man inside the flat.

"There were no other persons in the flat and no-one was injured."