WILTSHIRE Air Ambulances base has been temporarily closed to allow for precautionary testing to be carried out as part of the ongoing operation into the Amesbury poisoning.

This will involve testing emergency vehicles and kit worn by responders involved in the initial response to Charlie Rowley and Dawn Sturgess.

The air ambulance base in Semington closed from 5pm today (Wednesday, August 1) to allow for specialist teams to carry out work.

During this time the air ambulance will also be subject of precautionary sampling and will be unable to fly.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, who is leading the multi-agency response to the incident, said: “We are very aware that this news might cause some concern to our communities. The work we are undertaking forms part of the wider ongoing response to the incident and is the next logical precautionary step in the process. This highly precautionary activity is focused on ensuring that we take all steps necessary to consider any remediation activity which may be necessary in the longer term to further reduce any residual risk.”

Police say the "highly precautionary" measure is to ensure "no onward contamination". 

While the air ambulance helicopter is unable to fly the the charity’s paramedics and doctors will provide critical care in Wiltshire by using rapid response cars.

The cars have the same specialist medical equipment that is on-board the helicopter.

The chief executive, of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, David Philpott said: “As is normal procedure when our helicopter is unable to fly, our paramedics and doctors will respond to emergencies in Rapid Response Cars, providing critical care to patients.

“We are incredibly proud to provide a lifesaving service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties and thank everyone, including our colleagues at neighbouring air ambulances, who will offer support in the short term.”

The police statement said advice from Public Health England has not changed since the start of this incident and the risk to the public and first responders remains low.

It said that it has "not been necessary to shut this site before" and that "at the conclusion of the work the results will inform what if any, wider remediation work needs to take place". 

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “All agencies are working closely together and are working incredibly hard to ensure the safety of staff and of course the public. It's right that action is taken to rigorously and thoroughly test where the scientific advice dictates its appropriate to do so. Public safety must remain the number one priority and I am confident this is at the absolute forefront of any action taken.”

Two dedicated phone numbers for anyone with concerns relating to this incident, staffed by police and public health officers have been set up. The Freephone number is 0800 092 0410 or if you cannot dial Freephone, call 0207 158 0124.