Chessington World of Adventures, a major theme park on the edge of London, was evacuated on Sunday after safety protocols were triggered following a threat that police later deemed not credible.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing police and paramedics at the entrance of the resort, which is located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, south-west London. People on social media said they were told they would not be allowed in, while staff asked visitors already inside the grounds to leave.
Police assess the threat
The Metropolitan Police said its officers attended and concluded that the alleged threat was not credible. A spokesman for the force said: "We are aware of a threat made on the morning of Sunday November 8 against a theme park in Chessington."
"The matter has been assessed, and no security issues have been identified. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public."
Resort closes as a precaution
A spokeswoman for Merlin Entertainments said: "Following a security incident earlier today, and in close coordination with the Metropolitan Police, we immediately implemented our well-rehearsed safety procedures and closed the resort as a precaution."
"The incident has now been resolved." Reports emerged on Sunday afternoon that the resort had closed for the day, with disappointed customers describing the scene on social media.
Visitors turned away
Lewis Harrington, a football coach, posted on X: "Arrived at Chessington World of Adventures and was turned away as the parks closed for the day due to a major incident."
"Parks closed, everyone evacuated but the staff wouldn't say the reason why. Lots of police and paramedics present. Hope everyone is OK."
Confirming that the theme park had shut to visitors on Sunday, management announced via social media that tickets were being accepted at other attractions operated by Merlin. "Chessington World of Adventures Resort is currently closed," the statement said.
"Guests due to visit today are advised that tickets are being accepted at Legoland Windsor or, alternatively, you can contact our customer services team after 2pm today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide a further update as soon as possible."
Reopening plans
The Chessington resort attracts 1.5 million visitors per year, according to industry figures. In August, during a heatwave, the theme park had to close because of a water outage in the area.
The company's spokesman continued: "The hotel will reopen tomorrow, Monday November 9, and the resort will reopen as planned on Saturday November 14." "The safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff remain our highest priority. We would like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding, and our teams for their swift response and support."
