Neighbours reacted with surprise to the heavy police presence in their Stratton cul-de-sac.

Police from Wiltshire and Gloucestershire forces have been at a detached house in Wingfield, near Kingsdown School, since Tuesday morning.

A white-and-yellow forensic tent could be seen in the garden of the brick property.

Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac said they were shocked to see police in the road – and described the couple in the house at the heart of the search as lovely people.

A woman, 50s, said: “It’s obviously worrying. I don’t know what to think.”

Another neighbour, a 58-year-old woman, said: “You always think you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors and this is an obvious case.”

A man, 78, living in a house nearby, said: “I hope it’s nothing sinister. You just don’t know.”

Police are yet to say why they are searching the house. They have, however, hinted at having made arrests.

A property in Cirencester is also being searched, the Adver understands.