Southmead Hospital A&E ‘evacuated’ due to security incident - all outpatient appointments cancelled

A major incident was declared at Southmead Hospital with people evacuated from the accident and emergency department.

Avon and Somerset Police say a man was arrested by armed officers after claiming to have explosives at the hospital run by North Bristol NHS Trust.

A bomb disposal team arrived at the site, and after inspecting a number of bags declared the site safe.

A memo sent to staff said that the major incident was declared at 11.30am.

It said: “A major incident has been declared at 11.30am due to a security incident in the Emergency Zone.

“Evacuation completed for Emergency Department and Gate 36.

“Clinical teams are asked to prioritise discharge.”

A spokesperson for North Bristol NHS Trust said: “We are currently responding to a security incident in our Emergency Department.

“We’re asking all members of the public to please stay away from the Emergency Department at Southmead Hospital whilst this incident is ongoing.

“This means that we have had to cancel all outpatient appointments and visiting today.

“We are unable to comment further at this time but will issue updates as soon as possible.”

Avon and Somerset Police released a short statement on Twitter.

It said: “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.”

The force also said no-one had been injured.

At 1.30pm, the force said: “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.”

Shortly after 2pm, the force said the major incident had been stood down.

It said armed officers arrested a man who claimed to be in possession of explosives.

The man arrested has been detained on suspicion of making a bomb hoax and remains in police custody.

The incident led to road closures in the area, including Dorian Road, which leads to the hospital site from Gloucester Road.

Avon Fire and Rescue has crews from Temple, Southmead and Kingswood supporting police at the hospital. site.

A spokesperson said: “We would urge you to avoid the area.”

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