Suspicious package false alarm at New College Swindon

Buildings had to be evacuated shortly after 1pm this afternoon

Students had to be evacuated earlier this afternoon
Author: James DiamondPublished 2nd Nov 2023
Last updated 2nd Nov 2023

New College Swindon says reports of a suspicious package found on its North Star Campus today (2 November), turned out to be a false alarm.

Buildings had to be evacuated as a precaution with hundreds of students forced to stand in the rain while the emergency services attended the scene.

"Swindon Police responded to reports of a suspicious package at the College just after 1pm today," a statement from the College shared on X, reads.

"Buildings have been evacuated as a precaution but police have examined the suspect package - it was found not to be a cause for concern."

We're told precautionary checks on site are continuing, but there is not believed to be any threat.

In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: "We responded to reports of a suspicious package at Swindon College just after 1pm today.

"A number of buildings have been evacuated as a precaution, but police have examined the suspect package and it was found not to be a cause for concern.

"Precautionary checks are still taking place but there is not thought to be any ongoing threat."

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