A MAN wanted in connection with domestic abuse charges has been arrested - after a dramatic chase through Old Town.

Edward Booth, 26, from Toothill, had been on the run from police for several weeks. 

But he was arrested by armed officers from the specialist Tri-Force unit on the High Street last night, following a pursuit. 

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said: "He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and possession of class B drugs and remains in custody at Gablecross police station."

One man, 30, who watched the scene unfold at around 6.10pm from the corner of the High Street and Newport Street, told the Adver: “A white unmarked BMW police car came bombing down Newport Street and blocked the Corsa. They [the police] smashed the window. I figured they all went running after the guy.”

Within minutes, another marked police 4x4 arrived on the scene, together with two patrol cars and a Tri-Force traffic officer – who snapped pictures of the damaged Corsa on the High Street.

Other officers from Wiltshire Police began directing traffic past the scene, with tailbacks stretching back towards Pipers Way.

By 6.45pm the Corsa had been taken away and traffic was moving freely again.

Most residents along the High Street were surprised to hear of the dramatic police stop, with some not even hearing the sirens.