POLICE say two men, one of whom was carrying an air rifle, and a woman were behind the scare at a Wiltshire army base.

Three men were reported to be acting suspiciously near the Bulford Camp base, and were allegedly seen with what has been described as a rifle, just after 6pm on Thursday.

Officers and a police helicopter conducted an extensive search for the men on last night but no one was found.

Today Wiltshire Police confirmed that two men, one of whom was carrying an air rifle, and a woman had sparked the alert.

"We have now located and spoken to the members of public seen in the area at the time," said the spokesman.

"We can confirm that they were not involved in any suspicious activity." 

South Sector Deputy Inspector Vince Logue said: "We responded to an alleged incident at Bulford Camp. Officers took the appropriate precautions and carried out a search for the men. 

“With recent events, both in the UK and abroad, it is understandable that we are seeing an increase in calls from members of the public reporting suspicious behaviour.

"It is only right that we fully investigate calls of this nature. Thankfully, this incident turned out to be non-suspicious.

"We would continue to urge residents to report any suspicious behaviour to police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.”

The incident had confirmed by the Mayor of Tidworth, Coun Chris Franklin, shortly before 11.30pm last night.

He said: “Three people seen with what was believed to possibly be a rifle on the ridge in Bulford.

“Air support and armed police sent to area. No sighting since. Goes without saying that a harder presence on camp gates and in and around the area will be active.”

He said that the sighting of the three holding what appeared to be a "long-barrelled weapon" had been made by a runner adding, "That's what it appeared to look like - it could've been a stick."

South Sector Deputy Inspector Vince Logue said: "We responded to an alleged incident at Bulford Camp yesterday evening.

"Officers took the appropriate precautions and carried out a search for the men. 

“With recent events, both in the UK and abroad, it is understandable that we are seeing an increase in calls from members of the public reporting suspicious behaviour.

"It is only right that we fully investigate calls of this nature.

"Thankfully, this incident turned out to be non-suspicious.

"We would continue to urge residents to report any suspicious behaviour to police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.”

Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.