A secondary school in Somerset was evacuated after receiving a malicious phone call claiming a bomb had been planted on site.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were alerted to the threat at Frome Community College around 8.30am on Wednesday 8 May. Officers responded immediately and attended the school, working alongside staff to conduct a full search of the campus.
False Alarm Confirmed by Police
Police officers thoroughly searched the premises and confirmed that nothing suspicious was found. The call was later determined to be malicious. Officers have not confirmed if any arrests have been made at this stage, but investigations into the hoax are continuing.
Gas Leak Explanation Given to Pupils
To avoid panic, school officials initially told students that there had been a gas leak and evacuated parts of the site as a precaution. Once the police search was complete and the premises were deemed safe, the normal school day resumed shortly afterwards.
School and Police Statements
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said:
“We were called at around 8.30am on Wednesday 8 May to reports of a potential threat made to a school in Frome. Officers attended and, following a search of the site, nothing suspicious was found. The incident was deemed to be a malicious hoax call.”
A spokesperson for Frome Community College added:
“We can confirm that a threat was made against the college and that students and staff responded calmly and quickly. We are grateful to Avon and Somerset Police for their support. The matter is now under police investigation.”
Ongoing Police Investigation
Police have not released further details about the origin of the call, but hoax threats of this nature are treated seriously and can result in criminal charges. Anyone with information is urged to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting the date and time of the incident.
