A man has admitted robbing a refrigerated lorry at gunpoint.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court via video link from HMP Bristol, Howard Jones, 59, formerly of Stratton Road, pleaded guilty to robbery, possession of a BB gun at the time of committing the robbery, false imprisonment and causing actual bodily harm to an unnamed armed officer.

He denied allegations of blackmail and assaulting Sgt Ho Tsang in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, on June 19.

It follows an incident at N&B Foods Limited, which provides ingredients for the takeaway trade, on Tuesday, June 16.

Police were after 5pm to reports of an armed robbery at the firm’s warehouse in the Rivermead industrial estate.

A man was said to have stolen a DAF truck, briefly locking a driver in the back of the lorry. The 2017-plate vehicle was chased to Ridge Green, off Shaw Road, where armed police shot the alleged robber in the leg. An Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into the shooting is yet to be completed.

Jones, represented by barrister Zara Walker, spoke only to confirm his name and his pleas.

Charles Row appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service.

Judge Peter Crabtree remanded Jones in custody for the trial on October 12.