Fourteen tanks have been seized as part of an operation by the MOD Police.

Four of the tanks, a landing craft and anti-aircraft gun were seen passing though Sible Hedingham on Tuesday at about 11am.

A spokesman for the Ministry Of Defence Police Headquarters, based at nearby Wethersfield, confirmed that a total of 14 tanks are expected to make their way to the MOD police base in Wethersfield.

He said: “The tanks have been seized as part of an ongoing police investigation.

“Inquiries involve the tanks being used to set up a tank museum.

“They have come from across Europe but the MOD police are currently investigating whether the tanks were acquired in the proper manner for a legitimate museum.

“Some have been leased from other museums.

“The matter is currently under investigation.”

The spokesman said he was only aware of tanks being seized but said it was possible other military vehicles were involved.

The MOD police is a branch of the civilian police which deals with military matters and policing the defence estate throughout the UK.

The spokesman declined to comment further on where the tanks were being held or why an investigation was being carried out.

He added it was not illegal to own a tank, as long as it was acquired in a legal fashion.

Tanks can be made road legal when weapons are de-activated and can only be driven by someone with a special category H driving licence.

The tanks also passed through on Thursday and another convey will travel to the base on Monday.

Retired Liz Parkin, 66, of Friars Close, was in the car as the convoy went past.

She said: “There were six armoured vehicles including tanks on low-loaders with a police escort.

“The first one had a massive gun and one of the smaller vehicles looked to have a German cross.

“They looked authentic but in very good condition, as if they had been in a museum or a private collection.

“Our thought was that must have cost a fortune to move that lot plus have a police escort.”

Retired Sandy Keeble, of Wethersfield Road, said: “I only saw a couple of them as they were early.

“I was made aware by the heavy vehicles vibrating the windows as they passed the house.”