Shrewsbury Flower Show to go ahead after hoax bomb threat
It's after The Quarry was evacuated last night.
Last updated 12th Aug 2023
The second day of the Shrewsbury Flower Show will go ahead today following a hoax bomb threat last night.
At around 6:30pm last night, visitors were evacuated from The Quarry where the show is held.
West Mercia Police received an anonymous call making a serious threat to the site.
Organisers of the show announced on their Facebook page that the MOD had been called and sweeps were taking place.
Police were still finishing their final searches this morning.
Superintendent Damian Pettit, said: “At this stage we believe the threat was a hoax, but the safety of the public is our number one priority and we, along with colleagues form other agencies, will continue to complete a thorough searches.
“A huge amount of work goes in to planning events like this for the community and I know it was a disappointing end to the day for visitors. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who was at the show this evening for their cooperation, which meant that the site was evacuated quickly and safely.
“I’d also like to thank the event organisers who have worked closely with us this evening and have not hesitated to put the safety of the public first. We worked with them to try and keep the show going, but, as I’m sure you can understand, despite the safety checks they undertake as standard on entry, additional searching was needed.
“The show is expected to open as usual tomorrow and I’d like to reassure people that, on top of the security the event organisers have in place as standard such as bag searches on entry, there will also be increased measures in place tomorrow to ensure that everyone attending can have an enjoyable and safe day. You may also see an increased police presence in and around the area tomorrow.
“Once our searches are complete an investigation will be launched to understand the nature of this evening’s threat, and we won’t hesitate to take action where appropriate.” cancelled the late night firework display as well.
The event will be open for the public and traders from 10am.