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Part of A1 shut after 'explosion' near Catterick army base in Yorkshire Part of A1 shut after 'explosion' near Catterick army base in Yorkshire
(about 2 hours later)
An unexplained "explosion" near the Army’s largest training base has closed part of the A1 in Yorkshire.An unexplained "explosion" near the Army’s largest training base has closed part of the A1 in Yorkshire.
The road is shut in the area around Catterick Garrison, near Catterick village and Ripon. The motorway is shut in the area around Catterick Garrison, near Catterick village and Ripon.
There were no reports of any injuries and police said the closure was a precautionary measure while investigations are carried out. There were no reports of any injuries and police said the closure was a "precautionary measure" while investigations are carried out.
The alarm was reportedly raised by just one caller and police are believed to be searching around Marne Barracks on the base. The alarm was reportedly raised by just one caller and police are searching an area outside of the barracks, adjacent to the motorway.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Poice did not say where the explosion was or what caused it, only that it was heard in the area at 3am. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police did not say where the explosion was or what caused it, only that it was heard in the area at 3am.
“Both slip roads to Catterick have also been closed and diversions have been put in place,” he added. "At this stage, it cannot be ruled out that it has occurred within the boundary of the barracks," he added.
Soldiers from Headquarters Company 1st Battalion The Scots Guards returning to their base at Catterick in 2013 “Motorists are advised to avoid the area at this time. "The safety of members of the public, including passing motorists, is our prime concern and therefore all security precautions must be taken to protect members of the public until we find out exactly what has occurred.
“This is a precautionary measure while police conduct their enquiries. "The road closure remains in place at this time and we will notify the public of any further updates."
“Police have thanked motorists for their patience and understanding while they deal with the incident.” Soldiers from Headquarters Company 1st Battalion The Scots Guards returning to their base at Catterick in 2013
Police said there were no reports of damage in the area and the search for the scene of the explosion had been hampered by darkness and poor weather conditions.
Both slip roads to Catterick have also been closed and diversions have been put in place as drivers are avoided to avoid the area.
The closure of around six miles is causing heavy congestion on the road, which runs alongside Marne Barracks.The closure of around six miles is causing heavy congestion on the road, which runs alongside Marne Barracks.
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said the road is expected to remain closed until approximately 3pm. A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said the A1 is expected to remain closed until approximately 3pm.
Catterick Garrison covers 2,400 acres, according to the Army website, and is the home of several regiments and the Infantry Training Centre.Catterick Garrison covers 2,400 acres, according to the Army website, and is the home of several regiments and the Infantry Training Centre.
More than 13,000 personnel and their families live and work in the area.More than 13,000 personnel and their families live and work in the area.
It was the scene of a deadly helicopter crash in 2007, when an RAF Puma went down during an exercise at the base, killing three people.It was the scene of a deadly helicopter crash in 2007, when an RAF Puma went down during an exercise at the base, killing three people.