A POLICE officer has been praised for his bravery when confronting a man who was brandishing a plank of wood in the town centre yesterday.

The 33-year-old man swung the piece of wood at the officer's head when he was confronted on Victoria Road after police received several 999 calls about the man behaving suspiciously on Pipers Way at around 4.30pm.

The man was reported to be trying car doors in the area of Nationwide Headquarters and threatened a member of the public with a bottle when challenged, then went towards Old Town.

Officers attended the scene and located the man in Victoria Road, where he tried to hit an officer with the wood.

The man then ran off towards Regent Circus where he again attempted to hit the officer.

The officer managed to detain him and he was arrested and taken to Gablecross custody for questioning, where he remains.

Police are now appealing for information and witnesses.

Sergeant David Tippetts said: “This incident happened at an extremely busy time of day.

"There was a lot of traffic in the area, as well as people leaving work at Nationwide.

"We have already spoken to a number of witnesses but we are really keen to speak to any further witnesses who have not yet made contact.

“Thanks to the bravery of one of our officers who gave chase despite the man threatening him with a plank of wood and attempting to injure him, the man was arrested promptly.

"Fortunately, the officer did not sustain any injuries.

“We’d like to thank the members of the public who initially contacted us to report the suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.