A man has been charged after a bomb hoax call was made to Badbury Park Primary School in Swindon, triggering a large-scale emergency response.

James Morgan, 36, of Rabley Wood View, Marlborough, was arrested on Tuesday, February 25, on suspicion of making the hoax call. Today (February 26), he has been formally charged with communicating false information in connection with the incident.

The hoax led to a full evacuation of the school, teachers, pupils, and nearby residents, with a 200-metre cordon established and Rainscombe Road closed for several hours while authorities searched the premises to ensure there was no real threat.

Morgan was arrested at his home address just an hour after the all-clear was given at the school. He has now been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (February 27).

Police Response

Superintendent Steve Cox of Wiltshire Police said:
“Hoax calling is an offence we treat extremely seriously as it draws emergency workers away from legitimate incidents where there is a real risk to people’s lives.”

“The rapid and thorough investigation from my officers demonstrates our intolerance to this sort of criminality.

Police have thanked the public for their patience while officers worked to ensure the safety of the community.

Anyone with further information regarding the incident is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.