Mystery surrounds a raid which saw armed officers storm a residental street earlier this week.

As previously reported, residents were left shocked after officers brandishing guns descended on Canadian Way on Monday. 

It still remains unclear the purpose for the incident and which police force the officers were from.

Hampshire Constabulary has said they were not involved in the interception and said the officers were from "another force" but they didn't know who. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “The stop was definitely carried out by officers from another force.”

Neighbouring Thames Valley Police, who often work in conjunction with Hampshire Constabulary, have also confirmed their force was not involved in the operation.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley police said: “I have checked our systems, and have been unable to locate anything that would relate to this from our perspective.”

Multiple witnesses had shared photographs and video of armed police in action.

In a video clip, armed officers pointing guns in the direction of the house could be heard shouting. 

Basingstoke Gazette:

 

James John, 49, who lives on Canadian Way, told the Gazette that he saw police cutting off a car that was passing through Rooksdown.

“I was on the computer on a call at the time. I heard a screech of tyres. Then lots of police cars arrived, cutting off the white car. There were lots of police carrying guns, it was quite exciting."

“There were so many police I joked they must all be here. They were doing their job and I respect that, I feel safe knowing they’re around.

“There was so much shouting, the dog was going nuts. 

He added: “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I am born and bred in the area, I’m from Popley, and never in my life have I seen anything like that. And I hope to never see it again.”

The Gazette also contacted the Metropolitan Police. Scotland Yard have carried out arrests in Basingstoke before, given to its close proximity to London. Though in this instance, a spokesperson said they do not have access to any information outside London.

We have also contacted Surrey, Sussex, Wiltshire and Dorset forces for comment.