OVER the coming days, you will see increased activity at some of the sites currently cordoned off in your city – in particular, Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

This will involve officers meticulously searching a wide area of the park with a view to getting it re-opened to the public as soon as possible.

Public safety continues to be our number one priority for all agencies. However, we are very conscious of the impact and inconvenience this is having on the local community - in particular, we know this has been an acute issue for those in the Harnham area who are currently unable to use the town path which is adjacent to the park.

Together with the Counter Terrorism Policing Network, we are progressing work in this area. However, this must be guided by the requirements of the investigation and advice from Public Health England.

A detailed search of the gardens has now begun and we endeavour to keep you updated on this matter. This does however remain a complex and developing incident so we are unable to give guidance on any timescales at this stage.

Thank you for your ongoing support and patience, we hope that the start of this activity will provide reassurance that work is progressing as swiftly and safely as possible with the aim of lifting or reducing the cordon as soon as possible.

We would strongly recommend anyone with specific questions or concerns about the incident in Amesbury to attend the forthcoming public meetings that have been arranged. These will take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 24 at Salisbury City Hall, Malthouse Lane, SP2 7TU and at 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 25 at The Stonehenge School, Antrobus Road, Amesbury, SP4 7ND.

Angus Macpherson

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon

Kier Pritchard

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable