Southmead Hospital: Man arrested claimed to be in possession of explosives as police declare the area safe

A man arrested at Southmead Hospital’s A&E department claimed to be in possession of explosives, Avon and Somerset Police have siad.

The hospital declared a major incident and evacuated the emergency department at 11.30am.

Armed police arrived at the scene and arrested a man while patients and workers stood outside having been evacuated.

A bomb disposal unit then inspected a number of bags and declared the area safe.

Shortly after 2pm, Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement on the incident.

A spokesperson said: “Armed officers arrested a man at Southmead Hospital’s A&E department this morning aft­er he claimed to be in possession of explosives.

“A cordon was put in place while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit examined a number of bags.

“This cordon has now been lifted after the EOD declared the area safe.

“As a precaution, A&E was evacuated while the incident was dealt with and the North Bristol NHS Trust declared a major incident due to the wider impact on NHS services.”

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

Meanwhile, the major incident at the hospital has now been stood down.

North Bristol Neighbourhood Inspector Lorna Dallimore said: “I appreciate the concern this incident may have caused residents and patients and I’d like to reassure them there were no injuries and there is no risk to the wider public.

“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. We’re immensely grateful for the public’s patience while emergency services attended the scene and ensured the area was safe.

“Neighbourhood officers are in the area and I’d encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to them directly or alternatively contact their neighbourhood team via 101.”