Chester’s railway and bus stations were evacuated on Thursday evening following a bomb scare that prompted a significant police response and disrupted travel across the city.
Chester railway station was closed at around 18:00 GMT as police cordoned off the area. Train lines were blocked while officers assessed the situation, with a bomb disposal unit spotted within the perimeter.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing bomb disposal vans with their rear doors open near police vehicles as officers in high-visibility jackets worked through the night.
The city’s nearby bus interchange was also sealed off, halting all services. Images from the scene showed a female police officer standing next to a patrol car, police tape stretching between lampposts, and several emergency vehicles stationed in the area.
Major Travel Disruption
The incident caused widespread disruption to rail services, with National Rail confirming significant delays and cancellations on multiple lines. Passengers were advised to expect “major disruption” until approximately 22:00 GMT as services gradually resumed.
Northern Rail initially confirmed that its routes had been “blocked” due to the alert, but some lines have since reopened.
However, delays persisted for Merseyrail, Avanti West Coast, and Transport for Wales services, affecting key routes to Cardiff, Crewe, Manchester, Wolverhampton, and London Euston.
Train operator Northern and National Rail urged passengers to check for updates before traveling, warning of potential last-minute changes. Many trains were either delayed or canceled, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
Bus Services Halted
Stagecoach, the operator of bus services in the city, announced that no buses were serving the station or the nearby interchange. Commuters were left scrambling for alternative transport as the area remained under police lockdown.
One witness, stranded at the station, described the scene as “surreal,” with the heavy presence of emergency services creating an atmosphere of tension.
“It’s worrying to see bomb disposal vans and such a large police cordon. It’s not something you expect in a city like Chester,” they said.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Details surrounding the nature of the bomb scare remain unclear, with authorities yet to confirm whether any devices have been found. The police have assured the public that their primary concern is ensuring safety and minimizing risks while investigations are ongoing.
A spokesperson for Chester Police said, “We are currently dealing with a bomb threat at Chester railway station. Public safety remains our priority, and we ask for patience and understanding as we work to resolve the situation.”
Resumption of Services
While some train services have resumed, the situation remains fluid, with rail and bus operators closely monitoring developments. Travelers have been advised to seek alternative routes or delay their journeys where possible.
National Rail emphasized that safety checks must be thoroughly completed before full operations can recommence, with staff working to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
As investigations continue into the incident, commuters have expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency services while voicing frustration over the disruptions caused by the scare. The city awaits further updates from police regarding the resolution of the alarming situation.
