Update:https://wearesouthdevon.com/update-exeter-bomb-scare-first-device-made-safe/
Investigations continue in Exeter after 2 suspicious packages were found in Exeter this morning.
The first suspicious package was found in York Road, near Sidwell Street at 6.55am this morning, a second suspect package was found at King William Street Car Park in Exeter City Centre at 9.15am.
Both areas have been cordoned off. With people in near by houses being evacuated from their homes. Rest Centres have been set up at Exeter Bus Station and St James Park football ground.
St Sidwell’s School also remains evacuated at this time.
In a statement on Devon County Council’s news centre, it has been said that the school caretaker found the package:
“Headteacher Kathryn Rowden said the school’s caretaker Brent Hibbs found the first suspicious bag attached to the school railings. When he looked inside he saw wires.
“Children who had arrived for the breakfast club were taken across the road to the Queen’s Crescent park where staff supervised them.
“Staff also met parents at the cordon as they arrived with their children.
“School staff and other children were then evacuated to St Sidwell’s Chapel and then to St Matthew’s Church as the cordon was widened.
“By 10am, only one of the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children’s parents had not been contacted and collected them”
A police spokesperson has stated:
“A full multi-agency response to the incident is now in progress involving police, bomb disposal experts, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, South West Ambulance Service and Devon County Council.
“Roads in Exeter City Centre remained closed. These include York Road, Longbrook Street and a number of residential roads around the city centre”
Police have asked people to avoid the area if at all possible and not drive into Exeter City Centre.
The incidents are not expected to be resolved until late afternoon or early evening at the earliest.
