GUNFIRE may be heard in the middle of the night at two walking spots this month, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. 

Military operations will take place at the Fingringhoe Ranges, in Lodge Lane, and the Middlewick Ranges, Colchester, throughout February.

Both ranges are used by the British Army to train its troops, and operations will be carried out until February 29, at day and night.

The outside green spaces, including the army training areas, are used by avid walkers when training is not being carried out.

A Public Notice Portal statement said: “Due to operational commitments, firing, including night firing, may take place at extremely short notice.

“Colchester's training areas will have troops training on most days during this month.

“Members of the public are reminded that the range danger area is closed including all entrances, when Red Flags are flying, or red lamps/lights are displayed.

“Pest Species control and deer Management, using shotguns and rifles, will also take place on these ranges and training areas and members of public are therefore warned of this potential risk when entering the training area and ranges.”

It has been confirmed the permissive footpaths and all permissive entrances onto the training area will close from today for a period of 24-hours.

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