Primary school ‘bomb threat’ suspect, 36, arrested after kids evacuated and armed cops swooped to lock down scene
A SUSPECT has been arrested following a "bomb threat" at a primary school - after kids were evacuated and armed cops swooped on the scene.
Officers raced to Badbury Park Primary School in Swindon, Wiltshire, at around 2.30pm today amid reports of the alleged hazard.
Police told local residents a bomb threat had been made, while emergency services rushed to clear out the premises.
A man, aged 36, has now been arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax - and remains in custody at Gable Cross Police Station.
It is alleged that the suspect made a call claiming there to be an explosive device on the site.
Nearby homes were also evacuated during the incident, amid what one local described as "chaos".
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Police placed a 200-metre cordon around the school, with officers the blocked-off roads.
Meanwhile, residents in the area took refuge in a local pub - The Spotted Cow.
Steve Cox, of Swindon Police, said on Tuesday evening: "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.
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"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."
In an earlier statement, a spokesperson for the force said: "We are currently responding to a report of a malicious threat at Badbury Park Primary School in Rainscombe Road, Swindon.
"Specialist officers are on the scene and the school has followed its emergency evacuation plans as a precaution.
"A 200-metre cordon has been set up around the school.
"We will issue a further update when appropriate."
The school also confirmed its evacuation in a post on Facebook on Tuesday, prompting parents to race to the site to collect their children.
It said: "School is being evacuated so please collect children from Biddestone Ave on corner on Belcombe close.
"Please collect children who walk from home. Further info to follow. We are all ok".
There were reportedly more than 15 police vehicles at the scene during the scare.
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Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service both have senior officers as well as commanders on the ground.
The school is located less than three miles south-east of Swindon's town centre, lying close by to the M4 motorway.
