Police said members of the public ‘did the right thing’
15:37, 25 Oct 2025Updated 19:35, 25 Oct 2025
Shoppers outside Asda Longwell Green
Asda shoppers were plunged into chaos today – after mistaking a man’s umbrella for a weapon. The supermarket off Craven Way, Bristol, was evacuated shortly before 1pm this afternoon (October 25) after members of the public reported seeing a man “in possession of a bladed weapon”.
Photos from the scene show a crowd of customers fearfully waiting outside the store while police investigated.
Cops later confirmed the item the man was carrying “was an umbrella” – but assured members of the public they did “the right thing” in raising the alarm.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Officers responded to calls after a man with an umbrella was mistaken for being in possession of a bladed weapon today (Saturday 25 October).
“We received two calls between 12.10pm and 12.40pm from members of the public who were concerned they had could see a man who may have a weapon.
“Officers located the man at Asda, off Craven Way, at about 12.50pm and found that the item he was carrying was an umbrella. Access to the store was restricted for a short time as a precaution while those enquiries were carried out.
“Both members of the public did the right thing by calling us with their concerns, enabling us to take all the necessary precautions to ensure everyone remained safe.”
An Asda spokesperson confirmed that the store is now open as usual after a brief closure earlier this afternoon, following precautionary police guidance.
Follow how the incident unfolded in our live blog here.
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