Armed police officers descended on a west county town this afternoon following a ‘bomb threat’.
The police were called after a threat was made to children in Bradford on Avon by a man carrying what he stated was a bomb – it appeared to be a package of nails, tape and a mobile phone.
Armed officers attended the initial sighting in Barton Farm Country Park at around 4.30pm on Sunday.
The suspect, thought to be aged in their 60s, told the seven children – aged around 12 to 13-year-old – that they could ‘blow themselves up by pressing this button’.
The National Police Air Support helicopter was overhead shortly after the incident was reported.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We were called to an alleged suspicious incident in Bradford on Avon shortly before 4.30pm this afternoon (15/12).
“A man approached a group of children on Pound Lane and suggested he had made an explosive device. He then left the area shortly afterwards.
“As a result of this information, local officers were quickly supported by armed officers and the police helicopter to locate this individual and our enquiries continue in the town.
“We are keeping an open mind at this time as we work to establish all of the facts.
”Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact us on 101 and quote log number 216 of today.”
