A TEAM of police officers swooped on a former Taunton care home that has been closed for over three years.

The force helicopter hovered overhead and several ambulance and fire engines were also in attendance during the incident last night (Wednesday).

Police responded to reports of intruders at the former Orchard Court care home, in Harp Close, in the early evening.

The area was cordoned off for a time.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of intruders at the former Orchard Court care home in Harp Close in Taunton yesterday evening at about 6pm.

"Fire and ambulance were called to attend as a precaution, based on information provided to us.

"The police helicopter was also supporting. The building has been cordoned off and a search took place."

It is believed the search is continuing today (Thursday).

Orchard Court care home closed in 2016.

A planning application to convert it into a 78-bed care facility was refused by the council in 2018.

But proposals for nine four-bedroom homes was more recently approved.