Lydiard Park Academy in Swindon was thrust into lockdown on the morning of May 14, 2025, after a bomb threat led to the full evacuation of students and staff. Police ordered the school closed as they investigated a “suspicious package” allegedly left on the premises, prompting a strong emergency response and public safety warnings. Authorities have urged parents to keep away from the site as officers work to ensure everyone’s safety.
Timeline of the Incident
Email Threat Received at 9:00 AM
According to the school and Wiltshire Police, the incident began just before 9:00 AM when Lydiard Park Academy received a chilling email warning of a potential explosive device on campus. The administration acted immediately by alerting authorities and initiating their emergency evacuation procedures.
School Immediately Initiates Evacuation
Students were quickly escorted out of the building and assembled in designated safe zones while awaiting further instructions. Staff followed emergency protocols precisely, and thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or panic during the evacuation process.
Wiltshire Police Take Control of Situation
Area Cordoned Off for Investigation
Wiltshire Police responded swiftly to the threat, sealing off the area around the school to conduct a controlled investigation. Nearby roads were temporarily closed, and officers advised residents and passersby to avoid the location for their own safety.
Specialist Teams Conduct Premises Search
Specialist units, including bomb disposal experts, were deployed to conduct a thorough search of the school grounds. Police later confirmed that, as of the latest updates, no suspicious items had been found, but their investigation remains active and ongoing.
Communication to Parents Sparks Alarm
School’s Official Letter
A letter sent by the school’s administration to parents, and later reported by the Swindon Advertiser, detailed the incident. It read:
“Earlier this morning, we received an email claiming that there was a suspicious package on the school site. As a precautionary measure, we have evacuated all staff and students.”
The school reassured parents that the safety of their children was the top priority.
Police Advisory for Public Safety
Wiltshire Police issued a strong advisory for parents and the public to stay away from the area until the site had been declared safe. The force emphasized that crowding the area could hinder emergency services from performing critical safety operations.
What Is Known About the Suspicious Package?
No Confirmed Device Found Yet
As of this report, no bomb or hazardous materials have been recovered. Authorities remain cautious, following every standard bomb threat protocol to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Bomb Squad Protocols Followed
Police confirmed that all the correct bomb squad measures were in place, including bomb detection dogs, perimeter control, and systematic area searches.
Emotional Response from Parents and Students
Shock and Anxiety in the Community
Understandably, news of a bomb threat at a local school has sent shockwaves through the Swindon community. Parents flooded social media with messages of concern and frustration, while some waited anxiously for updates outside police barriers.
Support and Reassurance Measures
Lydiard Park Academy and Wiltshire Police have promised a full debrief once the situation is under control. Crisis counselors may be brought in to assist affected students and staff, many of whom were visibly shaken by the day’s events.
How Schools Handle Bomb Threats in the UK
Emergency Procedures and Police Collaboration
UK schools have strict guidelines for handling bomb threats, developed in cooperation with national law enforcement and local councils. These procedures prioritize rapid evacuation, swift notification of police, and clear communication with parents.
Prioritizing Student Safety
Headteachers and local authorities are trained to err on the side of caution in these situations, meaning that even unverified threats are taken seriously. The goal is always the same: protect students and ensure their return to a safe environment as quickly as possible.
Impact on Lydiard Park Academy Operations
Classes Suspended
Following the evacuation, the school announced that all classes for the day were suspended. A decision on reopening will be made based on police findings and safety assessments.
Follow-up Actions and Recovery Plans
School officials have assured parents that they will review the incident and update emergency response plans if necessary. A formal investigation will determine whether the threat was credible or a hoax.
Conclusion
The bomb threat at Lydiard Park Academy is a sobering reminder of the challenges schools and authorities face in an age where public safety threats can arise unexpectedly. While the situation was handled swiftly and no one was harmed, it sparked significant disruption and alarm. As police continue their investigation, both the school and the local community are focusing on recovery, reassurance, and readiness for any future incidents.
FAQs
- What prompted the evacuation of Lydiard Park Academy?
An email was sent to the school claiming there was a suspicious package on site, prompting a precautionary evacuation. - Were any explosives found at the scene?
As of now, no explosive devices have been found, but police are still investigating. - Are students and staff safe?
Yes, everyone was evacuated safely and there are no reports of injuries. - Will the school reopen tomorrow?
That decision will depend on the outcome of the police investigation and safety clearance. - Has anyone been arrested in connection with the threat?
No arrests have been reported yet. The investigation is ongoing.
