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Jan 2024

Last Updated: 18/04/2024

Harrogate

Harrogate streets reopen after bomb scare

by John Plummer, Flora Grafton

| 09 Jan, 2024

Several streets in Harrogate town centre closed this morning due to a bomb scare. Harrogate Magistrates Court was evacuated and police blocked Victoria Avenue, where the court is based, along with several other streets. Police, paramedics and firefighters were at the scene until after midday. Here's what happened.

1.05pm: Police say enquiries are 'ongoing'

North Yorkshire Police said no arrests have been made following the incident.

Enquiries are ongoing, the force said, but the scene appears to now be cleared.

12.56pm: Evacuated school issues statement about 'most unusual day'

St Peter's Church of England Primary School in Harrogate was evacuated as part of today's bomb scare.

A spokesperson said:

"We quickly responded to advice from the police and evacuated all staff and pupils to a local church. All were calm and happy throughout the process and we would like to thank our staff and our pupils' parents/carers for their support in dealing with what has been a most unusual day."

12.48pm: Last police car leaves Victoria Avenue

Things appear to have returned to normal in Harrogate town centre after today's bomb scare. We still await further information about what happened from the police, but for now it seems the bomb scare is over.

12.37pm: Police cordons being removed

Police are removing cordons and police vehicles are leaving the scene. We haven't had an official update but it appears the incident may be under control.

12.32pm: Aerial view of Victoria Avenue

Brian Simpson has posted this view on X, formerly Twitter. He added:

"I live down the street and there don’t seem to be too many concerns. Certainly they’re not doing a huge amount to stop people moving around Victoria Avenue towards the junction with Station Parade and they’ve even directed some cars that way."

12.24pm: West Park reopens to traffic

West Park has reopened to traffic. It had been closed at the Prince of Wales roundabout but it has now reopened after the cordon went up on Victoria Avenue.

12.15pm: More cordons go up

Police cordons have now gone up on Victoria Avenue, where firefighters and an ambulance incident response unit are on site, and on Princes Square.

12.10pm: Cordon extended to Raglan Street

The whole of Victoria Avenue is cordoned off, but police have now extended the exclusion area to Raglan Street. Traffic is still blocked from West Park, which leads on to Victoria Avenue, which is the focus of police activity.

12.03pm: Police issue update

North Yorkshire Police has just issued the following statement:

"We are attending reports of a suspicious vehicle on Victoria Avenue, Harrogate. We ask members of the public to avoid the area for the time being, and we’re very grateful for your patience and understanding.:

11.56am: Bomb scare in car?

An officer at the scene has said the incident is a suspected bomb scare in a car on Victoria Avenue.

11.46am: Police cordons up

Dog walkers heading out of town were turned away from a police cordon across the pavement by the Prince of Wales roundabout.

The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Police for details about the incident. We will update this article when more information is available.