Three Lions pub Bristol: Search for suspicious packages ends with man arrested

A large search for suspicious packages reported to have been left at a pub in Bedminster has ended with no items found - and a man had been arrested on suspicion of a false communication offence in relation to an exposure device.

Avon and Somerset Police have also revealed that the information which led to the major incident came from a call from someone claiming to have left the packages themselves at The Three Lions at 12.40pm.

As soon as the call was made, officers descended on the pub to evacuate the business as well as surrounding properties and set up a 50 metre cordon which saw West Street closed in both directions.

By 4pm, the incident was downgraded to a critical incident before it was confirmed that the search had ended at 9.15pm. With no wider risk to the public, the road was set to also reopen tonight and people allowed back in their homes.

Inspector Richard Lang said: “We’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding. We appreciate there will have been significant concern given the nature of the initial report to police – one that had to be taken seriously.

“We would like to reassure people there have been no items found that pose a risk to the public following searches by specialist teams. As such the cordon is in the process of being lifted.

“One man has been arrested in connection with this incident on suspicion of a false communication offence and he has been taken into custody.

“Additional reassurance patrols are due to be carried out in the area over the coming days and would advise anyone with ongoing concerns about this incident speaks to those officers.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5222243191. Or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously via its website or on 0800 555111.