TWO men have been arrested following an armed police response to a distress call from a west Wiltshire pub.

Police armed with guns and tasers responded to a 999 call from the Cross Guns at Avoncliff in the early hours of Tuesday morning. They were accompanied by a police helicopter and police dogs.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We responded to reports of a disorder at the Cross Guns, Avoncliff, at approximately 3am on Tuesday. Due to the nature of the call, firearms officers were deployed.

"Two men were arrested for affray and criminal damage to property and have been released under investigation."

Neighbours who were disturbed by the police action were asked to stay indoors.

Jack De Bruin, whose company owns the pub, said the men arrested were not associated with the pub. He was unable to give further details because of an ongoing police investigation.

Dr Trevor Turpin, 74, a Churchill Fellow and chairman of the Bath Industrial Heritage Trust, lives near the 16th century pub, which overlooks the River Avon and the Avoncliff Weir and is close to the Kennet & Avon Canal.

He said: “Neighbours who came out to see what was going on were told to stay inside whilst they arrested two men.

"It was of course very disturbing and upsetting and we are left wondering what’s been going on in our peaceful hamlet.”

“I have subsequently contacted the police but have had no reply.

“I do think a courtesy call or two might be appropriate. A simple explanation would be in order.”

Residents in nearby Westwood also heard the helicopter hovering overhead for around an hour until the incident ended.