RESIDENTS of a Rooksdown street have expressed their confusion and concern after witnessing several police officers and a bomb disposal team carry out an ongoing investigation today (September 9).

Residents witnessed police officers and the British Army team arrive on Mailing Way earlier today and erect a cordon at the corner of Peggs Way and Pumphouse Way.

A British Army spokesperson told The Gazette: "We can confirm that a British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called to the scene at the request of Hampshire Constabulary.

"It is an ongoing investigation so we would not be able to compromise anything by commenting further."

Rooksdown resident and carer Meta Davidson, 45, was walking her dogs when she saw the road was cordoned off.

She told the Gazette: "I go up the other road and don't come this way. I have come this way because it's wet. We normally get some police at the top of the road but that is about it. It is more up Park Prewett Way. This area is always quiet. This is right on the end of the spinney so it is quiet which we are lucky for I guess. "

Meanwhile, Allison saw it all unfold from her window.

She told our reporter on the scene: "CID have been there since 11 o'clock this morning. I was walking the dog and they had their vests on and I thought that was a bit odd.

"I thought it was a drugs raid or something. I came back out and there was bomb disposal there. I have got a great view so I have been looking through the window. At around 2.45 they taped it off. It is really worrying. "

Local resident Fay Nickless added: "They have been there for quite a few hours. They won't tell us what it is about but we have seen a man in the proper bomb outfit go into the building.

"They wouldn't tell us at all, just that it was nothing to worry about. It is very quiet down here. It is like we are on a curfew around 7 o'clock."

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted by the Gazette for further information