Incident overview
Thames Valley Police have made an arrest after three suspicious packages were found across Reading town centre on Saturday, July 25. Bomb disposal experts were called to examine the objects, which were discovered outside The Botanist on King Street, McDonald's on Friar Street, and The Hope Tap Wetherspoon's on Friar Street.
Timeline of events
Officers were first alerted to a package outside The Botanist at around 6pm. A second was found near McDonald's at about 9pm, and a third near The Hope Tap at around 10.30pm. Emergency services cordoned off the affected areas while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit attended as a precaution.
Packages removed safely
The suspicious objects were safely removed and the cordons have since been lifted. Police have warned that some further disruption to traffic due to road closures may occur.
Investigation and reassurance
Thames Valley Police believe the three incidents may be linked and are pursuing several lines of inquiry. An arrest has been made, but no further details about the individual or the nature of the packages have been released.
Superintendent Rachel Sykes said: "Additional patrols will be taking place in the area today to provide reassurance. The area is safe, but if you have any concerns, please speak to one of our officers while they are out on patrol.
"Thank you to those members of the public who contacted us and for the patience of those who were diverted from the area whilst our officers investigated these incidents."
