A major scare hit Badbury Park Primary School in Swindon today after a bomb hoax forced mass evacuations. Police swooped and arrested a 36-year-old man following the terrifying early afternoon call claiming a bomb was planted on the school grounds.
The school office received the chilling call just after noon on 25 February 2025. Wiltshire Police acted fast, evacuating the entire school and nearby homes, sealing off the area with a safety cordon around Rainscombe Road. Specialist teams conducted a thorough sweep of the premises but found no explosives. The cordon was lifted by evening, letting residents get back home safely.
Superintendent Steve Cox praised the prompt police work and the calm community response: “This swift arrest should offer reassurance to the people of Wiltshire that hoax calls causing fear and disruption won’t be tolerated. We investigate these incidents thoroughly and seriously.”
He added thanks to locals and staff: “A special shout-out to The Spotted Cow pub for opening their doors to evacuees, providing a warm and safe shelter during the ordeal. Thanks also to teachers, pupils, parents, and residents for their cooperation and composure.”
Wiltshire Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Marlborough shortly after 8pm, on suspicion of making a bomb hoax. He remains in custody at Gable Cross Police Station as inquiries continue.
Badbury Park Primary confirmed it will reopen as normal tomorrow, offering extra support for any shaken students and staff following the incident. Local mum Samantha James shared her relief: “It was terrifying getting the evacuation call, but I’m so grateful everyone is safe and the police acted swiftly.”
Wiltshire Police urge anyone with information to get in touch:
Call Wiltshire Police: 101 quoting incident reference 25/0809
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Authorities warn that false bomb threats are serious crimes that waste police resources and spread fear. “Hoax calls cause distress and drain valuable emergency services. We will pursue offenders relentlessly to bring them to justice,” Superintendent Cox confirmed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
