Police ‘satisfied there is no explosive device’ in Northampton Premier Inn following threat

Northamptonshire Police is “satisfied there is no explosive device” in the Northampton Premier Inn.

The hotel was evacuated at 3am (September 2) after intelligence eluding to a bomb threat.

A cordon was set up and specialist officers and explosive detection dogs were on the scene in the St John’s area of town all day.

Northamptonshire Police has now completed the search and has said members of the public can return to the area.

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.

Chief Inspector Nathan Murray added: "I think what's really important to understand is, especially from a members of the public point of view, they'll want reassurance that all threats like this are treated very seriously by the police, we have to.

"What we're doing is making sure that we're doing everything as quickly and as thoroughly as possible to return the place to a place of normality.”

Guests were taken to the Guildhall where they are being looked after by the Red Cross.

Michelle Nelson senior emergency response officer for the British Red Cross in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire said: “The British Red Cross can confirm we were called out at around 4.30 this morning following the evacuation of the Premier Inn hotel in Northampton.

“We have set up a rest centre, where four of our volunteers and a member of staff have been on hand to provide practical and emotional support, including providing food and clothing, to around 70 people who were evacuated.

“Our volunteers are crucial in enabling us to deliver this sort of local support and we are always looking for volunteers. To find out more, go to www.redcross.org.uk.”