Counter terror police have launched an investigation after they arrested a Basingstoke man and searched a block of flats in Rooksdown.

Here's everything we know so far...

What happened?

Earlier today, residents report seeing undercover police officers off Penny Black Lane in Rooksdown.

Residents said Criminal Investigation Department officers were on scene from 11am, and uniformed officers arrived to corden off the scene from 2.45pm.

Bomb disposal teams later arrived and assisted specialist officers in searching a flat.

Why were police on scene?

Police officers were on scene searching the property in connection with a counter terrorism investigation.

Officers arrested a 25-year-old man from Basingstoke yesterday (September 8) on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate under Section 1 of the firearms act 1968.

Today (September 9) the man was also arrested on suspicion of making or possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances under the Explosives Act 1883 and on suspicion of possessing class A drugs.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East are leading the investigation. The man remains in custody.

Should I be worried?

The police have reassured residents after this development.

At the scene, they were telling residents there was nothing to worry about, and also said in a statement that "there is not believed to be a wider threat to the public at this time".

Will I see more police in the coming days?

Chief Inspector Matthew Reeves, District Commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said: “You may notice an increased police presence, please don’t be alarmed, officers are involved in the investigation and are there to assist and support. Please approach these officers if you have any concerns or questions."

What has been said about this incident?

Cllr Simon Bound, deputy leader of the council and ward councillor for Sherborne St John and Rooksdown told the Gazette the community "stands ready" to do anything which will help the police investigation. 

He said: “I think the same applies as the last time that we had the bomb disposal team in Rooksdown - it’s really important as residents that we listen to the police’s advice and follow anything they ask us to do, and I know they will be working closely with the army as well. 

“Fortunately, the district commander is keeping me in the loop as to what things residents might have to do. There has been absolutely no indication of anything yet, and there may not be, but we stand ready to do anything we need to. 

“Rooksdown is a great community and has a strong communication network through the various community Facebook groups, should we need to do something.”

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Matthew Reeves, District Commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said: “I understand that this is a worrying time in the local community, thankfully incidents of this nature are relatively rare.

“We are assisting our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South East and our partner agencies to address any concerns you may have.

“You may notice an increased police presence, please don’t be alarmed, officers are involved in the investigation and are there to assist and support. Please approach these officers if you have any concerns or questions.

“This is an active investigation so please refrain from speculation, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support so far with this investigation.”