Homes are evacuated after ‘suspicious packages’ were found at pub in Bristol

Homes have been evacuated after police received reports of ‘suspicious packages’ at a pub in Bristol this afternoon.

Avon and Somerset Police declared a ‘critical incident’ at The Three Lions in Bedminster on Sunday afternoon and issued an evacuation order for the pub and nearby residences.

Officers have put a 165-foot cordon in place while they continue to conduct searches, according to an update from the force at 5.25pm.

People are warned to avoid the area while police investigate, with road closures in place in the surrounding area.

Police were called to The Three Lions pub  (pictured in 2018) in Bedminster around 12.40pm on Sunday after reports of ‘suspicious packages’ being left at the property

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Police were called at around 12.40pm to The Three Lions pub, which is famous in the area for its annual Flag day, when Bristol City fans gather to celebrate the new season.

‘As a precaution, people have been evacuated from the pub and some nearby properties,’ Avon and Somerset Police tweeted. 

‘A major incident has been declared while searches are carried out.’

West Street has been closed in both directions and a police cordon remains in effect. 

‘We’d like to reassure people we have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with such incidents,’ a police spokesperson wrote. 

‘There are road closures in the surrounding area while emergency services are at the scene so would please ask motorists consider alternative routes.’

Officers have put a 165-foot cordon in place while searches are carried out. Locals are warned to avoid the area while police continue to investigate

Bus services in the area have also had to be diverted.

Officials had initially declared the situation a ‘major incident’ but have since downgraded it to a ‘critical incident,’ which they say is a ‘lower threshold.’ 

Avon and Somerset police added: ‘We’re still advising people avoid the area while the precautionary cordon is in place.’

Local Labour councillor Mark Bradshaw shared the police update on Twitter and added: ‘Hope everyone stays safe and that the incident ends soon. Sorry that people have had to be evacuated as a necessary precaution.’