A major police incident has thrown a prominent Bristol college into chaos today, forcing the complete evacuation of St Brendan's Sixth Form College and leaving hundreds of students sent home early.
Eyewitnesses reported a significant police presence surrounding the Brislington campus, with officers swiftly moving to secure the area and implement safety protocols. The nature of the incident remains under investigation, but the response has been substantial and immediate.
College Response and Student Safety
College authorities acted decisively, placing the institution on lockdown before making the call to evacuate all students. Parents and guardians received urgent communications informing them of the situation and the early dismissal.
"We can confirm an incident occurred today that required police assistance," a college representative stated. "The safety of our students and staff is our absolute priority, and we followed all necessary protocols in collaboration with Avon and Somerset Police."
Community Reaction and Ongoing Developments
The sudden lockdown and evacuation caused considerable concern within the local community. Social media platforms filled with anxious messages from parents seeking information about their children's safety.
Local resident Sarah Jenkins, who lives near the college, described the scene: "There were police cars everywhere, and you could see students being ushered out quickly but calmly. It was quite frightening to see, but the response seemed very organised."
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are dealing with an incident at the location but have not yet released specific details about what prompted the major response. Investigations continue at the scene as authorities work to establish the full circumstances.
The college, which educates approximately 1,800 students aged 16-19, will provide further updates to parents and students regarding when normal operations will resume.
