The Galleon - Portsmouth's Official Student Newspaper

Over 500 students and staff were evacuated today after a suspicious package was found in St. Michael’s building.

The alarm was raised by staff at 1:03pm, and “specially trained officers” were soon deployed to the scene to assess the situation. More than a dozen firefighters were also in attendance.

The surrounding area, including King Henry building and Guildhall Walk, was cordoned off by police, St. Michael’s building and James Watson halls were evacuated and road closures were put in place.

Customers in Yates’s and other bars on Guildhall Walk were asked to remain inside while police officers and firefighters investigated the incident.

During the incident the University sent an email to all students stating that St. Michael’s building and James Watson were closed due to “a security incident”. The email advised students to “avoid the area until further notice” and to “make your way to the Students’ Centre if you require assistance”.

After investigating the incident the police removed the cordon and gave the ‘all clear’ at approximately 2:40pm. James Watson and St. Michael’s reopened soon after.

The police confirmed the suspicious package had been “intended for someone at the University but the labelling was not clear and gave cause for concern” and “no criminal offences were identified and the package was not deemed to be a hazard”.

Inspector Phil Jones said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their patience. Luckily, there was nothing to worry about on this occasion. We took these measures to cordon off the area for everyone’s safety both at the university building and in the vicinity.”

Student Ben Tilley said the evacuation was calm and “fairly quick because the fire exits were used rather than the main entrance” but “the majority of the commotion came once everyone was outside, nobody really know where to go”.