Police station, homes and road evacuated after suspicious device found in south Gloucestershire
Bomb disposal experts were called to Patchway Police Centre yesterday evening
Last updated 6th Aug 2023
A man's been arrested after bomb disposal experts were called to a police centre in south Gloucestershire.
A suspicious package was found and later deemed not to be a threat.
Police say the alarm was first raised when a man entered Patchway Police Centre just after 5pm yesterday.
An evacuation took place there and also at nearby homes - as a 100 metre cordon was established.
The A38 was also closed for a time as a precaution.
Officers have thanked the public for their help and say their enquiries are continuing.
Avon and Somerset Police statement
Patchway Police Centre in South Gloucestershire was partially evacuated after a man entered the enquiry office at about 5.10pm today with a suspicious item.
The man was arrested and the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit called to examine the item.
The EOD has since completed its examination and determined the item isn’t viable.
As a precaution, a 100m cordon was put in place while the EOD worked and residents inside were asked to evacuate their properties along with local businesses.
The A38 was also closed.
The cordon was lifted at around 8.40pm and all residents and businesses are now free to return.
We’d like to thank public for their patience and understanding while the suspicious item was checked out and apologise for any inconvenience the cordon caused.
The arrested man remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing.