We live in town where Midsomer Murders is filmed – creepy bangs in night are keeping us awake…we’re turning detective
RESIDENTS in a town where Midsomer Murders is filmed have said they are turning detective after creepy bangs at night kept them awake.
Strange loud bangs have disturbed locals in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, the original location for the hit ITV crime drama.
Many of the 11,500 residents in the usually sleepy town have taken to social media to determine the source of the bangs, with speculation they could be sonic booms, bird scarers or a gas explosion.
Cops are investigating reports of the noise between July 2 and 8..
Thames Valley Police suspect the explosions which rattle windows and shake teacups are fireworks – but nobody’s sure.
Dave Howse, landlord of The Cross Keys, said when he first heard the bangs, it sounded like someone’s car had smashed into his pub.
He said: “It’s been the talk of the town – the banging has been going on all night.
“It’s kept people awake at 3am.
“They’re very loud bangs that have echoed through the building, shook the windows.
“The first time we heard it we thought someone had actually driven through the pub.”
Dave captured the sound of one of the bangs through the pub CCTV.
In the video, a flash of light can be seen and then something starts to float down to the ground.
The pub owner added: “It’s very disruptive, nobody likes getting woken up in panic mode because you don’t know what’s going on.”
And Dave is not alone in hearing the concerning noises.
Pam Paddock, who has lived in Wallingford for 40 years, described the sound was “an almighty bang”.
“Yesterday there was a puff of smoke up in the air. We thought maybe there’s some cannon going off, but no.
“My granddaughter was woken up in the middle of the night and said she couldn’t get back to sleep.
“It really is very disturbing and no-one knows what it is.”
Another resident, Denise Eyles, said: “It sounds like a massive explosion.
“It’s startling, very unsettling and we’re not sure what it is.
“I don’t understand why whatever is the cause of it haven’t sent out some notice to say what it might be.”
Police said the Wallingford neighbourhood team was investigating the bangs and urged anyone with information to get in touch.
The Ministry of Defence, which has various military bases in the Thames Valley, has been approached for comment.