News / Southmead Hospital
Arrest following suspected bomb hoax at Southmead Hospital
Armed officers arrested a man in Southmead Hospital’s A&E department after he claimed to be in possession of explosives.
The incident on Thursday prompted a huge emergency response as a cordon was set up around the site and surrounding roads. Members of the public were advised to stay away and outpatient appointments were cancelled.
The entire A&E department was evacuated while the police bomb squad was deployed to the hospital and a major incident was declared.
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The cordon was finally lifted on Thursday afternoon after officers from the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) declared the area to be safe.
Police say a man remains in custody after he was arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax. They do not believe the incident was terror-related.
North Bristol neighbourhood inspector Lorna Dallimore said: “I appreciate the concern this incident may have caused residents and patients and I’d like to reassure them there were no injuries and there is no risk to the wider public.
“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. We’re immensely grateful for the public’s patience while emergency services attended the scene and ensured the area was safe.
“Neighbourhood officers are in the area and I’d encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them directly or alternatively contact their neighbourhood team via 101.”
Armed police officers and the bomb squad were deployed to Southmead Hospital A&E department on Thursday – photo Martin Booth
North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, declared a major incident while the incident was ongoing due to the wider impact on NHS services.
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