FOUR people were arrested in Swindon this morning.

Officers attended the town centre shortly after 8am following reports that a number of suspected drug dealers were in the area.

When officers attempted to stop three males to carry out drug searches, they made off from the scene.

With help from three members of the public, an officer was able to detain one of the men, who was found to be in possession of a large knife. The 23-year-old, of no fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and later arrested on suspicion of grevious bodily harm in relation to a separate incident.

A 22-year-old man, of no fixed abode, and a 20-year-old man from London, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Following a house search at a nearby address, a 35-year-old man of Swindon, was arrested on suspicion of permitting use of premises for supplying class A drugs.

They were all taken to Gablecross Police Station where they currently remain.

PC Matt Barnett, of the North Dedicated Crime Team, said: “We’d like to thank the members of the public for their help in pointing out the suspects during the pursuit and for assisting us in the recovery of evidence which was thrown away during the foot pursuit. We would especially like to thank the man in the town centre who assisted us in detaining and arresting one of the suspects.

"We now have four men in custody on suspicion of various offences.

“I would encourage members of the public who suspect drug activity in their area to contact police via 101. We will always follow up information we receive.”