TWO men, including one wielding an axe, were arrested at Asda in East Quay, Bridgwater yesterday (May 29) – right next to where police happened to be conducting a town-wide road safety operation.

Police received the call at around 6.25pm to the supermarket where upon arrival they found a 19-year-old man in possession of an axe and a bottle of vodka, and a 20-year-old man with food items.

A temporary headquarters had been set up right next to the store where police were testing vehicles for roadworthiness as part of their Operation Goodwood.

When the police received the call, officers were able to attend the scene almost instantly thanks to their location.

Sgt Gary Young, of Bridgwater Police, told the Mercury: “This wasn’t directly connected to the operation at all. We just had all the police here when the incident occurred.

“Almost 30 police officers were involved in this operation so it would be the worst possible time and place to commit a crime.”

The 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and on possession of an offensive weapon and he remains in police custody while the 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft.