POLICE have arrested a 36-year-old man from Swindon on suspicion of possession of a firearm following a shooting on Tuesday in Park North.

The incident took place shortly after 10.45pm in Banwell Avenue and involved a weapon being fired into a stationary vehicle.

A man from Swindon was questioned throughout the day yesterday as police sought to identify the weapon.

Residents were woken by the sound of gunshots ringing out and promptly called the police.

Several units were dispatched to try to find the culprit but without success.

Throughout Wednesday a full search of the area was carried out by officers, which involved part of Banwell Avenue being cordoned off for much of the afternoon.

Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries and managed to locate several witnesses to the incident, in which an Audi A4 was damaged.

Later that day a man was arrested and taken to Gablecross Police Sation.

The crime left many residents shaken and concerned for their safety.

One, who did not want to be identified, said: “I’ve never heard a gunshot before in my life so I thought it was a car backfiring or something.

“When I spoke with a friend they said it was a gunshot. It’s really scary.

“I’ve only just moved here and it’s not what you expect at all. It makes going out at night quite worrying.

“Imagine walking along at night and then hearing something like that.”

Yesterday, senior police officers moved to reassure members of the public that incidents involving firearms in Swindon were rare.

Supt Andrew Carr said: “I would like to reassure the local community that a robust police investigation is well under way.

“Incidents such as this are not commonplace in our county and we have a dedicated team of officers working on this case.

“I would urge anyone with information on the incident to contact us immediately as we rely on public assistance following incidents such as this.

“Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”