A charity shop within the Greenbridge Retail Park in Swindon, Wiltshire, was evacuated this morning after the discovery of an item suspected to be military ammunition. Wiltshire Police swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the Cancer Research UK store, where the item was handed in, prompting the deployment of the bomb disposal unit.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, with police and military personnel arriving at the scene near the A419, a main route towards Gloucestershire. Swindon Police advised that while the store was closed for safety reasons, the rest of the retail park, which includes outlets such as Boots, Currys, Next, Smyths Toys, and Tapi Carpets & Floors, remained open to the public.
In an official statement issued at 10:30 am, Swindon Police said, “Please be aware that we have cordoned off a store in Greenbridge Retail Park, Swindon, after suspected military ammunition was handed in. We are awaiting attendance by Explosive Ordnance Disposal to dispose of the item safely. The rest of the retail park remains open as usual. We’ll provide a further update when appropriate.”
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Several police vehicles were present in the car park, with officers stationed outside the Cancer Research UK shop next to Boots. The nature of the item is still under investigation.
This event follows a major fire at the nearby Groundwell Trading Estate, which residents reported was accompanied by a loud explosion that caused their homes to shake.