This morning at approximately 9:47 a bomb threat was received at John Lewis shopping centre on Wood Street, Kingston. The building was immediately evacuated and by ten thirty the police had arrived and were cutting off access to the site, as well as the surrounding roads and even Kingston bridge. I myself had just finished shopping in the neighbouring Bentall Centre and witnessed a scene of distressed shoppers amid solemn-faced policemen.
But it was not only the bomb scare that was upsetting. The closure of the bridge left many struggling to leave Kingston as they were forced to divert to Richmond or Hampton Court. One woman had parked her car in the John Lewis car park and had to speak to the senior officer on duty for any hope of getting home. ‘It’s really a nuisance,’ another driver said.
I spoke to several policemen who were directing people away from the scene but was unable to get an official statement. However, I was told that a package had been found – contrary to the Metropolitan Police’s official statement that suggested only a threat was made.
We cannot be sure of the exact details yet, although it is not believed to be terror-related. One certainty is that it would be a good idea to cancel your shopping plans now; the traffic will be awful!
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