Police have arrested a man on suspicion of making a bomb hoax after a school had to be evacuated amid a major police response.
Police responded to the scene at Badbury Park Primary School, Swindon around 2:30pm today after reports of an alleged threat. A cordon stretching to 200 metres around the school was put in place and nearby homes were also evacuated. Roads at the scene were shut by officers.
A man, 36, was arrested and is currently in custody at Gable Cross Police Station.
In a statement, police said: "We have arrested someone on suspicion of making a bomb hoax in connection with an incident at Badbury Park Primary School, Swindon, earlier this afternoon. The cordon around the school has been lifted and Rainscombe Road has reopened. Residents can now return to their homes."
The statement continued: "Officers responded to a reported threat to the school after a call was made to its office falsely claiming an explosive was inside the premises.
"We attended, set up a cordon and swept the building. No suspicious items were found and the school's security measures had not compromised."
Superintendent Steve Cox said: "This swift arrest should offer reassurance to the people of Wiltshire that the widespread fear and disruption caused by hoax calls will not be tolerated.
"We endeavour to investigate hoax calls robustly and with utmost sincerity.
"I would like to offer my personal thanks to the teachers, pupils, parents and residents for their cooperation and composure while my officers evacuated the area.
"Also, thank you to The Spotted Cow which kindly provided respite to those who were evacuated."
Earlier today, there were areported 15 police vehicles in attendance at the scene, while senior officers from both the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service also attended, Wiltshire 999s reported.
In an update on Facebook, the school, which has 265 pupils according to its most recent Ofsted report, said earlier today it was being evacuated and instructed parents to pick up their children nearby.
"We are all ok," the school said.
A police officer told the Swindon Advertiser that “no one has been injured, it is just precaution".
The regional trust in charge of the school, the Blue Kite Academy Trust, issued a statement reacting to the alleged hoax.
In a social media post, trust CEO Gary Evans said: "I am writing to inform you of a serious incident at Badbury Park Primary School today.
"After a thorough search by a specialist team, authorities confirmed the threat was a hoax and there was no danger to anyone. We are relieved everyone is safe and commend the exemplary conduct of our children and staff. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
"School will be open as usual tomorrow, as well as breakfast club. A more detailed email has been sent to all parents."
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