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Two suspicious packages found in Exeter 'made safe' | Two suspicious packages found in Exeter 'made safe' |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Bomb disposal experts have dealt with two suspicious packages in Exeter which prompted the evacuation of a school, homes and businesses. | |
Both devices were non-explosive, said Devon and Cornwall Police. | |
A suitcase with protruding wires was found attached to St Sidwell's school railings at about 07:00 BST and another was found in a city centre car park. | |
Both devices were "made safe" by bomb disposal experts with a controlled explosion used on one package. | Both devices were "made safe" by bomb disposal experts with a controlled explosion used on one package. |
Police said they were not treating it as a terrorist incident. | |
Armed police, fire crews and sniffer dogs were called in and everyone within 100m of the packages was evacuated from the area. | Armed police, fire crews and sniffer dogs were called in and everyone within 100m of the packages was evacuated from the area. |
A large section of the city centre was cordoned off and there has been significant disruption to public transport. | A large section of the city centre was cordoned off and there has been significant disruption to public transport. |
The first suitcase was found by St Sidwell's School caretaker, Brent Hibbs. A breakfast club was evacuated and the remainder of the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children arriving at the school were moved to safety. | The first suitcase was found by St Sidwell's School caretaker, Brent Hibbs. A breakfast club was evacuated and the remainder of the 200 pupils and 42 nursery children arriving at the school were moved to safety. |
Head teacher Kathryn Rowden said: "Our staff did an excellent job in evacuating the children quickly and efficiently. I cannot comment on the motive for this. | Head teacher Kathryn Rowden said: "Our staff did an excellent job in evacuating the children quickly and efficiently. I cannot comment on the motive for this. |
"But I would point out that St Sidwell's is a Church of England school and we have children of all faiths, and some with no faith, who learn together and play together very harmoniously." | "But I would point out that St Sidwell's is a Church of England school and we have children of all faiths, and some with no faith, who learn together and play together very harmoniously." |
A second suspect suitcase was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST. | A second suspect suitcase was found at the King William Street Car Park at about 09:15 BST. |
That led to further road closures in the area and the evacuation of homes in and around the city centre. | That led to further road closures in the area and the evacuation of homes in and around the city centre. |
Exeter, Mid and East Devon Commander Superintendent Keith Perkin said: "Today's events have caused considerable impact to residents and business across the city. | Exeter, Mid and East Devon Commander Superintendent Keith Perkin said: "Today's events have caused considerable impact to residents and business across the city. |
"We don't underestimate how difficult road closures and evacuations can be for local people, but safety of all our communities remains paramount." | "We don't underestimate how difficult road closures and evacuations can be for local people, but safety of all our communities remains paramount." |