THE group who sparked security fears near Bulford Camp last night "were not involved in any suspcious activity", police have said.

Army bases in Wiltshire were on high alert on after the sighting of three people possibly armed with a rifle.

But police have tracked down and spoken to two men and a woman, one of whom was carrying an air rifle, and confirmed there was no security risk.

South Sector Acting Inspector Vince Logue said: “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."

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

He said: “I have just come off the phone from the Duty Officer. 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.

“Nothing further to report at this time.”

Early reports of an incident began circulating yesterday evening and the security posture at camps including Tidworth and Bulford was increased.

There were reports that helicopters had been seen above Salisbury Plain and that an increased number of police vehicles were in the area around the camps.

There was also said to be an increased Royal Military Police presence in the various residential areas allocated for forces families.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said earlier today: "Wiltshire Police responded to an incident near Bulford Camp last night, but found no trace of anything suspicious.

"The incident was reported just after 6pm yesterday evening (Thursday 21 July 2016). Three men were reported to be acting suspiciously near the army base, and were allegedly seen with what has been described as a rifle.

"Officers and the police helicopter conducted an extensive search for the men, but no one was located."

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. No one was found.

"It may not have been a firearm, nevertheless I would ask residents across the county to be vigilant and call police if they believe they see something suspicious"

Anyone who witnesses anything suspicious should call Wiltshire Police on 101, or 999 if it is an emergency. They can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

Vigilance around military establishments across the UK was already heightened following an incident outside RAF Marham in Norfolk on Wednesday where a serviceman was threatened by two men armed with a knife.

Norfolk Police have said they are treating the incident as an attempted abduction and that they are "unable to discount terrorism" as a motive.