Organisers of Trowbridge Carnival are 'devastated' after a man allegedly drove a car into members of the public, including children, at Trowbridge Carnival.

Thousands of people reportedly lined the streets to watch the procession go by and one eyewitness said: “The town centre was absolutely crammed”.

A man has been arrested after allegedly driving a car into members of the public, including children, at the carnival on Saturday, October 19.

Wiltshire Police said the suspect "bypassed a road closure in Bythesea Road while trying to free his car from a car park".

He is then alleged to have driven "at members of the public, including some children".

A spokesperson said: "When challenged, the man exited his car and began threatening people.

READ MORE: Trowbridge Carnival: Man arrested after 'driving at kids'

"Officers responded swiftly and arrested the man on suspicion of section four and section five public order offences as well as dangerous driving."

While in custody, he was further arrested for driving otherwise in accordance with a licence and without insurance.

A police spokesperson added: “We have released him under investigation while our enquiries continue.

“If you witnessed this incident, please contact 101 quoting crime reference number 54240123741.”

Carnival marshals and members of the Trowbridge Wanderers Football Club's coaching team said they witnessed the incident. 

Carnival organisers were left in shock and said the incident had marred what had been a fantastic event watched by thousands of people.

Carnival organiser, Jo Gray said: “It is just devastating. Luckily, a lot of the people who came to the carnival were not involved and have gone home with a brilliant experience.”

Trowbridge Wanderers FC coaching squad were praised as "absolutely amazing" for allegedly assisting children to safety during the incident. 

Posting on the Spotted Trowbridge Facebook page, Leighanne Holmes, said: “The girls and coaches did amazing in such a scary situation. It was a good turn out and was a good few hours."

Tiffany Snow posted: “Would like to say a massive thanks to the coaches of Trowbridge Wanderers.

“One of the girls was my granddaughter and it could of been a much worse situation."

Kiersty Rose posted: “If it’s the incident I saw, it’s also massive thanks also to a lot of the coaches from Trowbridge Wanderers youth teams.

“They were absolutely amazing and acted without a split second to protect the children. Thank you so much to all.”

Soccer club coaches said the children had been left visibly shaken and upset by the incident and some of them were in hysterics.

Speaking to the Wiltshire Times, one said: “The girls were screaming and crying and some of the adults were in tears.”

Another added: “It was really scary. The children had all had a great time up to that point. Within a split second it was chaos and it took the shine off the evening.”