Armed police raid Wiltshire traveller site as helicopter circles above

Armed police raided a traveller site in Wiltshire this afternoon (Saturday).

Firearms officers equipped themselves with assault rifles and ballistic helmets in a layby near Saltersford Lane, in countryside between Chippenham and Corsham, at around 4.45pm.

Several roads policing units, a dog unit and local officers were also in attendance ahead of a raid on Thingley Caravan Park.

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Shortly before 5,30pm, and whilst the National Police Air Service helicopter circled above, the approximately 15 officers got into their vehicles and drove onto the site in convoy.

It’s not yet clear what prompted the significant police response. Wiltshire Police has been approached for comment.

The news comes just several months after armed police and about 15 medics visited the traveller site for what was reported as a ‘mass disorder’.

On that occasion, four ambulances, two ambulance rapid response vehicles, two Great Western Air Ambulance rapid response vehicles and a Hazardous Area Response (HART) unit were also there.

However, the force confirmed the following day that no one sustained any serious injuries.

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