Bomb disposal experts were tonight investigating a suspected explosive device found at an RAF base, the Ministry of Defence said.

Members of the explosive ordnance disposal team were "investigating" the suspected improvised explosive device at RAF Lyneham, a MoD spokesman said.

The MoD spokesman said: "A suspected IED has been discovered at RAF Lyneham.

"An EOD team are on site and currently working to make the area safe.

"It is too early to speculate at this stage." A Wiltshire police spokeman said a suspicious car had been found just inside the base and it was being checked out. Earlier this evening the whole of the perimeter road was closed but this has now been partially re-opened."

Traffic as far away as Hilmarton is being diverted away from the area.