This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6899218.stm
The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 5 | Version 6 |
---|---|
Tesco stores shut after threats | Tesco stores shut after threats |
(20 minutes later) | |
Fourteen Tesco stores across the country have been closed by police following a series of threats. | Fourteen Tesco stores across the country have been closed by police following a series of threats. |
Police have launched a criminal investigation but say they do not believe there is a link to extremism. | Police have launched a criminal investigation but say they do not believe there is a link to extremism. |
Hertfordshire Constabulary, which is leading the operation, said the stores were closed as a precaution and no-one had been hurt. | Hertfordshire Constabulary, which is leading the operation, said the stores were closed as a precaution and no-one had been hurt. |
They said while the public should remain vigilant, the stores should re-open as soon as possible. | They said while the public should remain vigilant, the stores should re-open as soon as possible. |
Stores were closed in Lancashire, Suffolk, Leicestershire, Humberside, West Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and London. | Stores were closed in Lancashire, Suffolk, Leicestershire, Humberside, West Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and London. |
Tesco supermarkets in south Wales, Fife, Strathclyde and East Renfrewshire have also been shut. | Tesco supermarkets in south Wales, Fife, Strathclyde and East Renfrewshire have also been shut. |
'Go home' | |
Darren, an employee from the Ashby de la Zouch store, said staff were told to evacuate the shop. | |
"We were allowed to go back in to get our belongings," he said. "We had to be as quick as we possibly could. | |
"We were informed briefly that the store was going to be closed for the rest of the day and we could go home straight away." | |
The Tesco store in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, was closed at about 1230 (BST) on Saturday. | The Tesco store in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, was closed at about 1230 (BST) on Saturday. |
Police initially closed off the car park leading to the store and several other neighbouring shops, but it was opened within an hour. | Police initially closed off the car park leading to the store and several other neighbouring shops, but it was opened within an hour. |
A worker at a nearby shop said police had told him the store had been shut after receiving a bomb threat, along with several other supermarkets across the country. | A worker at a nearby shop said police had told him the store had been shut after receiving a bomb threat, along with several other supermarkets across the country. |
'Vigilant' | |
A spokeswoman from Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Police in Hertfordshire have launched a criminal investigation following a series of threats made to 14 Tesco stores across the country. | A spokeswoman from Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Police in Hertfordshire have launched a criminal investigation following a series of threats made to 14 Tesco stores across the country. |
"While the public are advised to remain vigilant we have no reason to believe that the incidents are linked to extremism of any kind. | "While the public are advised to remain vigilant we have no reason to believe that the incidents are linked to extremism of any kind. |
"Every effort is being made to trace those involved." | "Every effort is being made to trace those involved." |
A Tesco spokeswoman said: "Tesco is working with the police following a series of incidents. | A Tesco spokeswoman said: "Tesco is working with the police following a series of incidents. |
"Police are investigating and so we are unable to comment further." | "Police are investigating and so we are unable to comment further." |
She added: "As always, customer welfare is our priority." | She added: "As always, customer welfare is our priority." |
Has the Tesco store in your town been closed? Do you work at one of the stores affected? Were you in any of the affected shops when they were closed? | Has the Tesco store in your town been closed? Do you work at one of the stores affected? Were you in any of the affected shops when they were closed? |
Send us your experiences using the form at the bottom. | Send us your experiences using the form at the bottom. |
Do you have any pictures of the stores affected? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk | Do you have any pictures of the stores affected? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk |
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |