Celebrity Daughter Caught in Midst of Stockport Security Alert
Gabriella Bardsley, the daughter of ITV's Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley, was left 'terrified' after being locked inside a train during a major bomb scare that brought Stockport to a standstill.
Panic as Station Evacuated and Trains Halted
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 4, just before 6pm, when emergency services were called to Greek Street in Stockport following reports of a suspicious item. A suitcase had been left on a footbridge near the railway station, prompting a significant security response.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal units and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service rushed to the scene. Two fire engines from Stockport and Whitehill fire stations, along with the technical rescue unit from Ashton, were deployed to manage the situation.
Authorities established a substantial 200-metre cordon around the area. Stockport train station was fully evacuated, and all incoming and outgoing train services were cancelled, causing widespread travel disruption.
Mother's Frantic Pleas on Social Media
Miles away, Tanya Bardsley, 44, took to Instagram in a state of panic, pleading for information about her daughter's safety. She posted to her followers: "Does anyone know what's happening at Stockport train station? My daughter and all the passengers are locked on the train by police... I'm going out of my mind."
Her daughter, Gabriella, was among numerous passengers who found themselves stranded on stationary trains as the station ground to a complete halt. One witness reported their train being stopped near Cheadle due to the security alert.
The scene was described as "chaos" by a bystander who spoke to the Manchester Evening News. "I was told I had to evacuate Stockport bus interchange and it was chaos with people running," he said. "I was told had to leave immediately. There was approximately 50 of us running out of the interchange, followed by the police. Lots of panic and hurry."
Those evacuated sought refuge in a nearby pub and army barracks while the bomb squad conducted its investigation.
Second Security Ordeal for the Bardsley Family
This frightening event marks the second major security scare for the Bardsley family this year. In May, their £2 million home in Wilmslow was targeted by two masked men while the family slept inside.
Tanya shared footage on Instagram at the time showing her husband, football manager Phil Bardsley, liaising with police who were alerted by the couple's security system. Fortunately, the break-in was unsuccessful, and no one was harmed.
A source told The Sun: "The family was home at the time, but luckily nobody was harmed. Security and police turned up as fast they could, but the two masked men got away."
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson confirmed the station evacuation and advised customers not to travel to Stockport Station during the incident. The situation was eventually resolved, but it left a lasting impression of fear on those involved.
