TWO men have been arrested in an armed police raid on a Wiltshire pub.

Police armed with guns and tasers raided 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 4am raid were asked to stay indoors.

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.

"They brought two men out handcuffed and made them lie on the ground. 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 raid ended.

The owners of the Cross Guns also run the Inn at Freshford and the Old Crown at Kelston near Bath.