A MAN has died and two people are seriously ill in hospital after a shooting incident in Chippenham early this morning.

Police said they were called to a house in The Causeway area of the town after neighbours reported hearing shots at around 5.30am.

They say a man died at the scene and a Home Office pathologist was on his way to examine the body, which is still believed to be in the house.

Meanwhile, a man and a woman have been taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath with gunshot wounds, which police have described as serious.

The Causeway area, which is a busy main route for traffic heading towards Calne, has been sealed off to allow officers to investigate the scene.

Police spokesman Andy Fortune said the road was likely to remain closed for most of the day.

The area around the crime scene, which is next to a Vauxhall car showroom, was quiet this morning as officers went about their work.

People heading into Chippenham said they were shocked that the normally peaceful air of the town had been so rudely disturbed.

"You don't expected this on a Monday morning in Chippenham," said one woman.

Police were due to hold a press conference later today.

Anyone with information that could help the police with their inquiries can contact them on Chippenham 01249 654455.