Southmead Hospital police incident: Full statement as…

Southmead Hospital police incident: Full statement as 'suspicious package' found

A suspicious package discovered at Southmead Hospital in Bristol prompted a huge emergency response this afternoon (Thursday, March 10) and dispatch of a bomb squad.

Armed police descended on the site late this morning and a number of surrounding roads were cordoned off following the incident at the emergency department, which is not being treated as terrorism-related. Appointments have been cancelled and people were urged to avoid the area this afternoon.

A reader told Bristol Live that her husband and son were turned away from A&E as the incident began to unfold, and footage on social media appears to showed patients walking out or being wheeled out through the car park alongside staff after A&E was evacuated.

Read the latest: Live updates as police swarm Southmead Hospital

Police and the hospital trust initially only shared brief details as they worked to secure the scene, but confirmed that a man has been arrested. We will be bringing you the latest updates on this ongoing incident in our live blog as more information emerges.

Avon and Somerset Police tweeted at 12.19pm this afternoon advising: "Emergency services are at Southmead Hospital, where a man has been arrested following an incident today where a suspicious package was discovered. We'd ask the public to have patience while this is ongoing. A cordon is in place."

About 15 minutes later it added: "There are no reported injuries at this time. A number of roads in the area around the hospital are currently closed while emergency services are at the scene."

In a further update shared at 1.30pm, a force spokesperson said: "Emergency services remain at the scene. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal team has also now arrived at the scene. A public cordon remains in the area at this time and we're grateful for the public's continued patience."

Police have said a bomb squad have been called to the scene (Paul Gillis/BristolLive)

A more detailed police statement was shared just after 2pm, which read in full: "Armed officers arrested a man at Southmead Hospital’s A&E department this morning after he claimed to be in possession of explosives.

"A cordon was put in place while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit examined a number of bags. This cordon has now been lifted after the EOD declared the area safe.

"As a precaution, A&E was evacuated while the incident was dealt with and the North Bristol NHS Trust declared a major incident due to the wider impact on NHS services. The major incident has now been stood down.

"The man arrested has been detained on suspicion of making a bomb hoax and remains in police custody. We do not believe this incident to be terrorism-related."

North Bristol Neighbourhood Inspector Lorna Dallimore added: “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.”