THE Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal squad is on its way to Trowbridge from Tidworth to investigate bottles containing a potentially explosive liquid.

Wingfield Road from Nightingale Road up to Avenue Road has been closed off after around 14 bottles which are believed to contain an explosive liquid were discovered underground opposite John of Gaunt School.

Ian Ayliffe, who discovered the bottles when he was digging the ground up earlier today, said: "I was clearing a site where houses are going to be built when I saw flames coming out of the ground.

"There was a really nasty smell too but I wasn't worried because I was in my digger. I quickly covered the bottles with clay but there's still a chance there might be an explosion and the bomb squad are on their way."

A 100-metre area has been cordoned off by Wiltshire Police which means cars have not been able to leave John of Gaunt school opposite, and the incident has caused traffic chaos around the town.

The bomb squad will identify what the liquid is when it arrives.

Incident commander Neil Hiscocks, of Trowbridge fire station, said: "We are waiting for the OED team to arrive from Tidworth, and they will uncover the bottles and decide what action to take.

"The road will remain closed until the operation is complete. We have allowed people to leave the nearby vets surgery, and the school were very helpful - luckily staff were able to leave by the Gloucester Road entrance. 

"We don't know what substance we are dealing with. The workman who covered it up contained the situation and stopped it igniting further.

"We wil know more once the experts are here."

As well as the crew from Trowbridge, firefighters from Warminster were on the scene with a lighting rig so the OED team, who are due to arrive around 7.30pm, can work safely.