The incident took place this afternoon
Olivier Vergnault Senior Reporter
20:43, 02 Aug 2025
Malmesbury in Wiltshire
A man half naked from the waist down has been arrested for threatening members of the public with a knife. Police said that at around 1pm this afternoon (Saturday August 2), officers were alerted to a man with his genitals and bum out on full show in the centre of Malmesbury, Wiltshire.
The half naked man was spotted in Dark Lane but is understood to have travelled on foot on Bristol Street and Bremilham Road, having assaulted and threatened members of the public with the knife.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said officers attended the incident and arrested the man on Bristol Street. He was provided with medical treatment at the scene and is currently in police custody.
There have been no reported serious injuries. A heightened policing presence will remain in the town centre while further enquiries are carried out.
Detective Superintendent Angela Shipp said: “We appreciate the significant amount of community concern that this incident will have caused, and we are treating it incredibly seriously.
“As it has taken place on a busy Saturday afternoon in the town centre, it is believed that there will be a number of witnesses and potentially more victims who we haven’t yet spoken to.
“If you have witnessed the incident, or have been a victim of any offences, please contact us on 101 quoting log 141 of today’s date. If you have any concerns then please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers.”