Residents in St Paul's experienced disruption as authorities evacuated the area following the discovery of a suspicious package, which was later deemed a false alarm.
Residents in the St Paul's area of Bristol experienced a significant disruption today as authorities conducted an evacuation following the discovery of a suspicious package on Argyle Road. The incident prompted a swift response from local police and bomb disposal units.
The situation unfolded earlier in the day when a report of a suspicious item led to police cordoning off the road. Witnesses described the atmosphere as tense, with one individual commenting, "My road in Bristol is blocked off with police due to a suspicious package. They’re evacuating the street." Another local resident noted that the evacuation extended to nearby areas, stating, "Major evacuation is ongoing in St Paul's, Wilder Street etc."
Reports indicated that residents were directed to gather at Portland Square while emergency services worked to assess the situation. One individual remarked on the large presence of emergency personnel, saying, "The place is packed. Loads of police, ambulance and first responders in the area."
Following thorough examination by specialist units, the police confirmed that the item was a false alarm. A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police stated, "Police can confirm a suspicious item found in Bristol was a false alarm. Specialist units who examined the object declared it to be safe and it has been seized."
The incident highlights the local authorities' commitment to public safety, as they responded efficiently to the potential threat and ensured the well-being of the residents during the evacuation. The community in St Paul's has since begun to return to normal as the situation has been resolved.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative does not appear to be out of date, as it describes an immediate response to a recent incident without any outdated references or recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While specific quotes from witnesses are provided, they do not appear to be widely reported, which could indicate these are fresh sources. However, without online confirmation of their original use, the score is not perfect.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Express, a known publication but not typically considered among the most authoritative for breaking news compared to outlets like the BBC or The Guardian.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The scenario described—evacuation due to a suspicious package—is plausible and consistent with typical emergency response procedures. Lack of specific evidence does not detract from the believability of the event.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears current and plausible, with quotes that seem to be original. However, the reliability of the source could be improved compared to more authoritative outlets. Overall, the narrative seems credible but requires a cautious approach due to the source.