A police helicopter has been scrambled as police hunt for a man wanted in connection with an assault.

The National Police Air Service helicopter has been circling the area around Southbrook playing fields for the best part of an hour this evening, making low passes over Gorse Hill and Pinehurst.

Half a dozen police cars – together with a dog unit – are also at the scene.

Officers are attempting to find a suspect wanted in connection with an assault that took place last month.

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Police statement in full

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Residents may have been aware of a police presence in the Pinehurst area of Swindon this evening, including the deployment of the police helicopter.

“This is part of ongoing efforts to locate and arrest a suspect wanted in connection with an assault in the town last month.

“We want to reassure the public that that there is no risk to the wider community and they should not be unduly concerned.”

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