Southmead Hospital has been subject to a "security incident" today after a man claimed to be in possession of explosives. The bomb disposal unit attended the scene and a man has been arrested, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said in a statement just after midday: "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."
Read the latest: Live updates as police swarm Southmead Hospital
What's happening at the hospital?
The hospital has now reopened, but it's A&E remains closed and all out-patients have been cancelled.
Southmead Hospital's minor injury unit is also shut, for more information follow North Bristol Trust's FB page.
What have officers said?
Avon and Somerset Police tweeted at 12.19pm this afternoon advising: "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."
About 15 minutes later it added: "There are no reported injuries at this time. A number of roads in the area around the hospital are currently closed while emergency services are at the scene."
In a further update shared at 1.30pm, a force spokesperson said: "Emergency services remain at the scene. 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."
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The latest police statement confirms the security incident, which was previously believed to concern a bomb, was a hoax. The man was detained on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.
The force also confirmed that A&E was evacuated and a cordon put in place while the bomb disposal unit examined bags. The team later declared the area safe and the cordon has been lifted.
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.
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“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.”
Footage on social media appeared to show the hospital being evacuated, with patients either walking or being wheeled outside through the car park alongside staff. Fire crews from Temple, Southmead and Kingswood also attended the scene.
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What's happening to traffic?
First Bus announced a disruption to its services following the security incident. The company said: "Service 17 will terminate and commence from Muller Rd top towards Eastville. Service 24 will terminate and commence from Filton Ave (junction of Muller Rd) and not use Wessex Ave.
Later, the company said the hospital was back open and that services were once again running their normal routes. However, one minute later it contradicted that by saying: "Unable to serve Southmead Hospital.
"Service Y6 will be doing loop around Southmead Rd, Doncaster Rd & Pen Park Rd. Service 17 & 24 terminate at Muller Rd using Wessex Ave and Muller Rd to turn around. Service 76 not serving Hospital using Southmead Rd & Monks Park Ave both ways."
The roads around the hospital were closed but have now reopened - though police are still advising people to avoid the area.
Follow the latest updates on this story and others like it here
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