Police were called to the traveller site at Calcutt, near Cricklade, shortly after 8.15am on Sunday following reports of a shooting. The victim, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Shooting Reported at Calcutt Site
Wiltshire Police have launched a murder investigation after the discovery of the man's body. Officers established a cordon at the site and closed the road leading to it, allowing forensic teams to begin detailed examinations. The closure is expected to remain in place while inquiries continue, with police officers stationed at the scene to manage access.
The incident has prompted a significant emergency services response, including paramedics who attended but were unable to save the victim. Detectives have begun house-to-house enquiries in the surrounding area, while specialist crime scene investigators gather evidence. The force has not yet named the victim, and formal identification procedures are ongoing.
Two People Taken Into Custody
As part of the murder inquiry, two individuals have been arrested. A man in his 70s and a woman in her 40s have been detained on suspicion of possession of a firearm and assisting an offender. Both were taken into police custody, where they remain as detectives piece together the circumstances of the fatal shooting.
The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation, which is being led by Wiltshire Police. The suspects have not been formally charged at this stage, and it is likely they will be questioned by officers over the coming hours. The road closure and cordon are part of the wider effort to secure evidence, including potential witnesses or CCTV footage from the site.
Detective's Appeal for Witnesses
Detective chief inspector Phil Walker, who is leading the investigation, described the incident as “incredibly serious” and extended his sympathies to the victim's friends and family. He said: “This is an incredibly serious incident, and my thoughts are with the victim's friends and family at this devastating time. Enquiries are ongoing at the site and in the wider area to establish the circumstances which have led to this incident and locate all the people involved.”
Walker also appealed for the public to respect the ongoing police work. “A cordon is in place at the site and the road leading to it has been closed to allow for enquiries to be conducted and I would ask that this is respected,” he said.
Increased Police Presence and Information Appeal
Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area on Sunday morning. Walker confirmed that a visible policing presence will be maintained throughout the evening, saying: “Those in the area will see an increased policing presence throughout the evening as enquiries continue. We are really keen to hear from anybody who has any information or witnessed anything suspicious this morning.”
The traveller site at Calcutt, which is located near the town of Cricklade and just north of Swindon, has been sealed off while the investigation unfolds. Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Officers remain on scene and are expected to continue their work into the evening and beyond.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Wiltshire Police have not confirmed the victim's identity, but they have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to establish the full circumstances of this tragedy.
