MULTIPLE reports have been received of armed police patrolling parts of North Swindon tonight.

One man, who wished to remain nameless, confirmed that officers carrying firearms had approached him at around 11pm near Smart Close.

He said: "I just came out to have a cigarette and they came over carrying guns.

"I asked if everything was all right but they said there was nothing to worry about."

Over the past hour, residents in the Redhouse and Oakhurst areas have been kept awake with the sound of a helicopter buzzing overhead. 

A police spokesman said: "We have no information to give at this present time."