POLICE arrested a man who was seen holding a gun while cycling in Devizes.

The incident happened in Le Marchant Close, Devizes, just after 12.15am last Thurs-day when officers spotted a man cycling and holding what appeared to be a weapon resembling a rifle.

On seeing the police he made off into undergrowth but after a search a 19-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and theft. An air rifle was found near where the suspect was first seen.

The man was questioned at Melksham Police Station and later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Devizes police are appealing for witnesses and for anyone who had an air rifle stolen recently to contact them on 0845 408 7000.

Sgt Ian Thomas of Devizes Police said: “Incidents involving weapons are taken very seriously. Their misuse will not be tolerated. It was thanks to the vigilance of officers that this weapon has been recovered and a male arrested.”