A retail park in Swindon was evacuated and cordoned off after suspected military ammunition was handed in at one of the stores, leading to the dispatch of a bomb squad. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Greenbridge Retail Park, prompting the deployment of specialized officers to safely handle the items.

Wiltshire Police confirmed the situation, stating that a store at Greenbridge Retail Park had been cordoned off due to the discovery. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was expected to arrive to deal with the potentially hazardous items, while the rest of the retail park remained operational.

Following the incident, police presence was visible at the retail park, with officers stationed outside various stores, including Cancer Research UK and Boots. The suspected military ammunition was reportedly handed in at the Cancer Research UK store. Authorities are investigating the matter, and inquiries have been made to Cancer Research UK for further details.

This event follows a recent major fire at the nearby Groundwell Trading Estate, where a loud explosion was reported by residents, causing significant damage. The fire, believed to have been caused by a printing machine malfunction, prompted a swift response from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, with a dozen fire engines dispatched to contain the blaze. Investigations into the incident are ongoing by the Health & Safety Executive.