POLICE have launched a murder probe after a man was killed in the town centre.

The victim, aged 40 and understood to be from the local area, was involved in an "altercation" with an unknown number of men last night, said police.

It is believed he was stabbed.

An ambulance crew arrived on scene at the incident, but were unable to save him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident happened at around 9.30pm at the junction between Manchester Road and Corporation Street

Two men, aged 22 and 23 and also from the local area, were arrested in the area shortly afterward on suspicion of murder.

They are being held at Gablecross police station.

A post-mortem examination is to begin at 11am today in Winchester.

Last night police spoke only of a "serious incident" unfolding, as sniffer dogs and specialist units were spotted combing the area.

Manchester Road and some surrounding streets were closed off.

Police this morning said that part of Manchester Road is likely to remain shut for the rest of today, as they carry out inquiries.

Police will be knocking door-to-door in the area today, and have called on anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

Superintendent Wayne Bonne, from Gablecross police station, said: "Enquiries are very much in their initial stages and will continue across the weekend. Whilst they do we will maintain an increased, visible presence in the area.

"I would like to thank the local community for their assistance so far which has enabled us to make two early arrests.

"We will continue to engage with the community as well as our key partner agencies in our continuing drive to keep Swindon safe."

Detective Superintendent Sean Memory, leading the investigation, said: "As our investigation continues part of Manchester Road will remain closed for the remainder of today to allow for area searches and house to house enquiries to take place.

"Following initial enquiries we believe that the two men arrested did know the deceased and we are continuing to try and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."

The community was today said to be in "shock" at the killing.

Mansoor Khan, 67 and general secretary of Swindon Mosque in nearby Broad Street, said: "I got the news about 10 last night, switched on my Blackberry and thought: Oh, God.

"A loss of life is always a shocking experience. It's a waste of life from my point of view. But I don't know the circumstances at all.

"People are trying to find out exactly what happened, because no one knows at the moment."

He advised anyone with information to go to the police, and said: "We need to catch them and find out the reasons behind it. Everyone is in the dark."

Resident Axmed Ismail, who lives nearby in the Broad Green area, said: "A few months ago there was a stabbing on Manchester Road as well, I think last year or earlier this year.

"People are shocked, they're worried and they don't know what to do. They don't have any information about what happened.

"Most people who live here know that if something happens the message will spread quickly. People came out from their homes and just stood looking."

Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000. or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.