The suspicious device left near Mangotsfield School
The suspicious-looking device that was blown up by bomb disposal experts near Mangotsfield School last night was a hoax, police said this afternoon.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesman said: “We were called to a report of a suspicious item in Rodway Common, Mangotsfield, yesterday afternoon.
“A cordon was put in place as a precaution and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EoD) unit attended as a precaution to dispose of the item.
“This item was not a viable explosive, but it was clearly designed to look like one.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries to establish how and why this item was placed there and would appeal to any members of the public who saw the item in Rodway Common, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to come forward.
“If you can help, please call us via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and quote ref 42636/14.”
Mangotsfield School headteacher Richard Badley said: “Thank you to those students and staff still in school who responded to requests from the police to stay clear of the area, and to leave the site just before 6pm.”
He too urged anyone with information to contact the police.
