A ‘refugee hotel’ in Swindon has been evacuated following a serious incident.
A significant emergency services presence could be seen outside the Holiday Inn Express in Bridge Street from around 7pm this evening (Wednesday, 19 October).
The building, which is understood to be closed to the public and is housing a large number of refugees, was urgently evacuated by security staff.
Numerous fire engines, including a fire officer and an aerial ladder platform appliance, were at the incident alongside half a dozen police officers.
A refugee who had been evacuated told Wiltshire 999s at the scene that a male suspect, housed at the hotel, had been making threats from inside his room.
“His head is bad”, he said after claiming that no fire was started during the incident.
It’s thought the male was taken to a police cell van by officers. It’s not clear if he is being taken to custody or a hospital for assessment.
- More on this story to follow tomorrow (Thursday, 20 October).
