POLICE officers have been out in force in Highworth tonight following an incident along Swindon Street. 

Residents reported seeing a number of police cars and an ambulance pull up outside Sammy's takeaway restaurant just before 11pm. 

The officers then spread out in the direction of St Michael's Avenue where a witness, who did not wish to be named, said they appeared to be "searching for a suspect".

The Adver understands that officers on foot and a dog unit were involved.

As of 11.30pm, a number of vehicles remained in the vicinity. One was partially blocking the entrance to Stapleton Close with another two vehicles parked outside flats in St Michael's Avenue. 

Other vehicles continued to drive around the area.

Officers in attendance were unable to disclose the nature of the incident but witnesses to the initial response posting on social media suggested there had been an assault and the suspect had fled. 

At midnight, a lone police car remained stationed outside the flats in St Michael's Avenue.