A man has been arrested after armed police officers responded to a bomb threat in Oxford city centre on Saturday 4 July 2026. Thames Valley Police confirmed that a man in his 60s was taken into custody on suspicion of communicating a bomb hoax and remains in police custody.
Armed Response and Cordon
Officers were called to St Aldate's Police Station at approximately 2:20pm following reports of a bomb threat. Armed officers attended the scene, and a cordon was put in place as a precaution while police assessed the situation. The cordon covered the St Aldate's area, causing temporary road closures.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “Armed officers responded to a bomb threat at St Aldate's Police Station in Oxford at approximately 2.20pm this afternoon. As a precaution, a cordon was put in place while officers assessed the situation and carried out enquiries.”
Arrest and Investigation
The man, described as being in his sixties, was arrested on suspicion of communicating a bomb hoax. He remains in police custody as investigations continue. The force added that there is no believed wider risk to the public.
The spokesperson continued: “A man in his sixties has been arrested on suspicion of communicating a bomb hoax and remains in police custody at this time. There is not believed to be any wider risk to the public. The cordon has since been lifted and normal activity has resumed. An investigation is ongoing.”
Roads Reopened
Following the assessment, the cordon was lifted and the road closure in St Aldate's was removed. Normal activity has resumed in the area. Police have not released further details about the nature of the threat or the suspect's motives at this stage.
