A major emergency service response was called to St Paul’s

16:47, 12 Apr 2025Updated 16:51, 12 Apr 2025

Logistics robot returning to vanLogistics robot returning to van(Image: Paul Gillis )

A bomb squad robot was called to the scene of a major evacuation in Bristol after a suspicious item was was found this afternoon, Saturday, April 12.

A large emergency service response was called to Argyle Road in St Paul’s after a member of the public found a suspicious item.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the scene, as well as the bomb squad.

At the time of the incident, a cordon was put in place as a precaution and residents were asked to leave their homes.

The cordon appeared from Argyle Road to Brigstocke Road.

One witness said: “My road in Bristol (Argyle Road) is blocked off with police due to a suspicious package. They’re evacuating the street”

Another witness said: “”Major evacuation is ongoing in St Paul’s, Wilder Street.

“My daughter was told to evacuate to Portland Square. The place is packed. Loads of police, ambulance and first responders in the area.”

BristolLive has been told that the cordon has since been lifted and the roads have been reopened.

Emergency services are also believed to have left the scene and residents are able to return home.

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A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Police can confirm a suspicious item found in Bristol was a false alarm.

“Specialist units who examined the object declared it to be safe and it has been seized.

“Officers would like to thank residents who were asked to leave their homes in Argyle Road and surrounding streets.

“They were asked to evacuate out of an abundance of caution. We’re sorry for the disruption but our priority must be keeping everyone safe.

“Officers were called just before midday today, Saturday 12 April, by a concerned member of the public. They did the right thing by calling us and we’re grateful to them.

“Following examination by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, all precautionary cordons were lifted by about 4.30pm and residents can return home.”