Two soldiers have been arrested following an incident at Tidworth Camp in Wiltshire where a 15-ton Bulldog armored personnel carrier (APC) was allegedly stolen and driven on a joyride. The incident occurred early on July 24, 2026, around 1 a.m., when the vehicle was driven down a narrow access road, resulting in damage to parked civilian cars.
Video footage captured the Bulldog vehicle smashing into a parked van and an SUV. Sources indicated that the soldiers had been drinking off-base before returning to the camp and taking the APC. The vehicle, which has a top speed of 32 mph, reportedly struggled to stay straight during the rampage.
The damaged SUV is believed to be a Chinese-made MG ZS electric vehicle, valued at approximately £30,000. Following the incident, the APC was found parked in a nearby parking area, undamaged. It is understood that no injuries were sustained during the event.
The soldier alleged to have been driving the vehicle was arrested by Royal Military Police officers at dawn in his room. A second soldier was also arrested. An Army spokesperson stated, "We expect the highest standards from our personnel. Two soldiers have been arrested by the Royal Military Police following an incident at Perham Down this morning, July 24. We will not comment further while an investigation is ongoing."
The Bulldog APC is powered by a 240hp Rolls-Royce engine and is designed to transport troops, offering protection against small arms and artillery fire. It can carry up to ten passengers and has also been utilized as an ambulance, command post, and recovery vehicle.
Tidworth Camp is home to several regiments, including the 26 Engineer Regiment, 1 Medical Regiment, and the King’s Royal Hussars. The incident follows a separate event in 2024 where a soldier based at Aliwal Barracks in Tidworth was convicted of drink-driving after crashing a vehicle while dressed as Batman.