Policing operation comes to an end in Northampton town centre

A policing operation set up to respond to reports of a bomb threat in the St John’s area of Northampton has come to an end with officers satisfied that there was no explosive device at the building in question.  

Guests at the Premier Inn were evacuated from the hotel at about 3am this morning (September 2) after intelligence was received that there may be a bomb inside.

Emergency services were called to the scene and specialist officers and explosive detection dogs have been there for the majority of the day searching the hotel to make sure the area is safe. A 50m cordon was put in place as a precautionary measure while this work took place.

Superintendent Sarah Johnson said: “Following an extensive search, we are satisfied that there is no explosive device at this location and members of the public can now return to the area.

“The guests from the hotel are still in the care of the local authority and we’re working with them and with the hotel to get those people back to normality as quickly as possible.

“Protecting people from harm in Northamptonshire is our highest priority and I hope our response today reassures people of the seriousness with which we take threats such as this.

“Finally, I’d like to thank all the guests and the residents in the local area for their understanding and patience today, as well as our partners at West Northants Council, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Police, Thames Valley Police and the East Midlands Ambulance Service, for their assistance.”

A criminal investigation into the threat and the origin of the report continues.