Portsmouth bomb scare: 'Suspicious package' disposed of after being found in The Hard - updates
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Police put in place a cordon earlier around the area in Portsmouth and the bomb squad was called.
The ‘suspicious package’ was found at around 8.10pm yesterday.
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Hide AdResidents reported hearing a ‘bang’ following the arrival of the bomb squad.
Police have now confirmed that a controlled explosion was carried out on the package.
It was then found to have contained only ‘personal effects’.
READ THE LATEST: Police confirm 'suspicious package' found in Portsmouth was not an explosive device
The cordon has now been lifted, police have confirmed.
Traffic, buses, trains and the Gosport Ferry were all disrupted due to cordon.
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Hide AdIn a post on Facebook, Portsmouth Police said: ‘Officers have closed off the area after a report of a suspicious bag was received around 8.10pm this evening.
‘As a precaution, we have evacuated the area and Explosive Ordnance Disposal are going to be attending.
‘We will update further when this has been completed and the area is open again. In the meantime, please could we ask you avoid the area.’
An earlier post read: ‘Good evening, please be aware that due to an ongoing incident at The Hard, Portsmouth there are a number of road closures.
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Hide Ad‘You will not be able access The Hard via Queen Street or Park Road. We are also limiting access to buses, trains and Gosport Ferry. Trains are being stopped at Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station.
‘You will not be able to leave Gunwharf Quays via the pedestrian tunnel and our colleagues from GWQ have closed this.
SEE ALSO: Everything we know so far after 'suspicious package' caused major disruption in Portsmouth
‘This incident is ongoing and we will update you once the area is reopened.
‘Thank you all for your patience and understand, we appreciate this will cause significant disruption to your evenings.’
The News has contacted Hampshire Constabulary.
We will be bringing you all the latest updates in a live blog below.
Updates as bomb scare caused Hard to be closed
Key Events
- The Hard was closed to the public last night
- A ‘suspicious package’ was found
- Trains, roads, buses and ferries were all disrupted
Pictures show what it looked like as package was disposed of last night
‘Suspicious package’ was not an explosive device
A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘At 8.10pm on Sunday, April 10 officers received a report of a suspicious bag that had been found at The Hard.
‘As a precaution, the area was evacuated and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team attended to carry out a controlled explosion.
‘The package was found to contain personal effects only.’
The cordon has been lifted at The Hard
Cordon has been lifted at The Hard and the surrounding areas following the earlier bomb scare.
Portsmouth Police wrote on Facebook: ‘The closures around The Hard have been lifted all traffic, buses, trains and the Gosport Ferry.Thank you all for your patience.’
A ‘bang’ reported after arrival of bomb squad
One resident in the area has told The News that they have heard a ‘bang’, following the arrival of the bomb squad this evening.
Suspicious package has caused area to be cordoned off
Portsmouth Police have just said: ‘We just wanted to provide a further update on the closures at The Hard this evening.
‘Officers have closed off the area after a report of a suspicious bag was received around 8.10pm this evening.As a precaution, we have evacuated the area and Explosive Ordnance Disposal are going to be attending.We will update further when this has been completed and the area is open again. In the meantime, please could we ask you avoid the area.’
Statement from South Western Railway
In a post on its website, SWR said: ‘Due to the police dealing with an incident at Portsmouth Harbour all lines are blocked.
‘Train services running to and from this station may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 23:00 10/04.
‘For further information or onward travel advice please speak to a member of staff or use a station help point.
‘We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey. ‘
Here’s what police have said so far
Portsmouth Police in a post on Facebook said:
‘Good evening,Please be aware that due to an ongoing incident at The Hard, Portsmouth there are a number of road closures.You will not be able access The Hard via Queen Street or Park Road. We are also limiting access to buses, trains and Gosport Ferry.
‘Trains are being stopped at Portsmouth and Southsea Train Station.You will not be able to leave Gun Wharf Quays via the pedestrian tunnel and our colleagues from GWQ have closed this.
‘This incident is ongoing and we will update you once the area is reopened.
‘Thank you all for your patience and understand, we appreciate this will cause significant disruption to your evenings.’