SCREAMS of terror filled the busy town centre on Friday afternoon as shoppers looked on with horror as a mass brawl broke out, with knives brandished by masked thugs.

Brave members of the public looked to break up the violence involving around 10 people, and were forced to treat the wounded after the incident which saw at least two people injured.

A video sent to the Advertiser shows how the harrowing events unfolded, with a standoff between a group outside Costa on The Parade trying to get to another group inside quickly escalating.

It shows, after shouts and violent threats, a man leaving the building and spraying a fire extinguisher at the group outside before chairs are thrown and a brawl erupts to the shock of onlookers.

The footage then shows chaotic scenes as several more men arrive and several separate fights break out, some of which took place in stores where people tried to flee including Poundland.

One man can be seen dragged to the floor and beaten in front of shoppers before being left seemingly unconscious.

Amid horrified screams warning of knives being used, brave members of the public can be seen trying to break up the fights in places and loudly remonstrating with the violent thugs over their actions.

Several hooded members eventually flee the scene, leaving shoppers calling for ambulances and treating the wounded.

In the video clips, knives can be seen being brandished and there are screams of blades being used during the altercations to the public’s disbelief.

Police and paramedics were scrambled to the scene shortly after the incident started at around 3.15pm.

A cordon was put in place shortly after 4pm on the parade but was put down around an hour later.

Officers could be seen inspecting the street as well as stores that fighting took place in.

An eyewitness from the scene, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said that one group was threatening to stab another outside Costa Coffee.

"We were just walking up to Costa and just heard some lads shouting,” they said.

“They were threatening people through the window of Costa saying how they were going to stab someone.

"Someone came out with a fire extinguisher and it all just kicked off very quickly really.

"People were in a lot of distress. Somebody said there was a big knife as well."

Another eyewitness from the scene has said that medical assistance was being given before an ambulance could arrive.

"Someone did come out of one of the shops nearby with a medical kit, although I couldn't really see too much of what happened," they said.

At time of writing a Wiltshire police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating the incident.

"Officers are currently in attendance in Swindon town centre following reports of a disorder,” they said.

"We were called to The Parade just after 3.15pm today following reports of approximately 10 people involved in a fight.

"At this very early stage, we believe two people have been injured.

"Ambulances are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.

"If you witnessed the disorder and have not made yourself known to officers, please do so immediately. Call 101 and quote log number 207 of today."

At time of writing it is understood that at least five people had been arrested for affray, with names and ages yet to be released.

Did you see what happened? Email ed.burnett@newsquest.co.uk with your thoughts on safety on the streets of Swindon