MINISTRY of Defence police and a police helicopter have been investigating reports of a "loud bang" near Hereford's SAS camp.

West Mercia Police said it was also involved in the response to the "loud bang" in the Credenhill area, north of Hereford.

Stirling Lines is based in the village, which is a British Army garrison and the headquarters of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS).

The bang was said to be heard in the area at around 9.30pm on Sunday (February 13).

PC Josh Kitchen, of West Mercia Police, said officers were investigating a "suspicious incident".

He added: "Around 9.30pm officers from Hereford, along with colleagues from the Ministry of Defence Police and a helicopter from the National Police Air Service attended reports of a loud bang in the Credenhill area.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to the incident or that may have been in the area around the time of the incident and heard or seen anything suspicious."

Anyone with information is asked to report it on West Mercia Police's website, quoting incident reference 649 of February 13.

Information can also be passed anonymously to indepedent charity Crimestoppers online, or by calling 0800 555 111.

PC Kitchen added: "Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime."