St Brendan’s Sixth Form College in Bristol underwent an evacuation today as armed officers swiftly responded to the situation. Broomhill Road, which had been shut down between Emery Road and Dixon Road, has since reopened after law enforcement concluded their operation at the college around 5:30 pm. Police were summoned to the college earlier in the afternoon.
Authorities have officially stated that a 17-year-old male is currently in police custody under suspicion of perpetrating a bomb hoax.
A representative for the college has confirmed that regular operations will resume tomorrow. The spokesperson stated, “After the early closure on Tuesday, I can assure you that the college will be operational as usual on Wednesday, November 5.”
Rich Fear, a police inspector, emphasized the gravity with which law enforcement treats such incidents, noting their prompt response to ensure public safety. Fear reassured, “Fortunately, the threat turned out to be non-credible, and there was no actual presence of a bomb on the college premises. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.”
He further added, “The staff’s vigilance in reporting the incident was commendable, given the information available. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the staff and students during this event. Investigations are ongoing, and we will maintain communication with the college throughout.”
The college issued an email addressing the afternoon’s events, stating, “Our priority is the safety of our students and staff. We acted swiftly upon receiving information about a potential risk to our community, following our safeguarding procedures. At present, there is no immediate danger, and we are coordinating closely with the authorities to ensure ongoing safety.”
Avon and Somerset Police released a statement confirming the arrest of an individual following the incident at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College. The 17-year-old suspect is being held on suspicion of perpetrating a bomb hoax. The police deployed firearms officers, the dog unit, and specialized search teams to the college after receiving a call post 3 pm.
Following a review of CCTV footage, the decision was made to evacuate the college as a precautionary measure. All students and staff were safely escorted off the premises while thorough searches were conducted, revealing no evidence of an explosive device ever being present on-site.
Transport service WEST announced the reopening of Broomhill Road between Emery Road and Dixon Road after the police operation, with traffic returning to normal.
The specific details of the college incident remain unclear. St Brendan’s is a Catholic Sixth Form College with an estimated 2,100 students from approximately 80 schools.
Eyewitnesses reported a significant police presence at the scene, with one witness recounting the evacuation process involving police dogs. The nearby Goals football center was also evacuated.
The situation unfolded at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College on Broomhill Road, leading to road closures and traffic disruptions in the vicinity. The precise circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be fully elucidated.
Law enforcement, as a precautionary measure, evacuated the campus at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College while investigations were conducted. No injuries have been reported, and collaborative efforts with the college are ongoing to ensure the welfare of students and staff. Broomhill Road has been temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response procedures.
