Bomb Threat Sparks Chaos at Southampton Mayflower Cruise Terminal
A bomb scare at the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton triggered a major police operation and the evacuation of part of the port this morning.
Armed Police Swarm Terminal After Threat
Hampshire Constabulary were called at 11:46am after a man claimed to have an explosive device. Officers quickly set up a 200-metre cordon, locking down the area while armed police and specialist search teams combed a lorry on-site.
The suspect was arrested without fuss. After a thorough search, police confirmed no bomb was found, saying they were “satisfied there is no risk to the public.”
Port Operations Halted, Panic Among Passengers
All port activities, including boarding for P&O’s Ventura cruise ship, were paused. One passenger recalled seeing “about nine armed police cars and 20 officers with rifles” flood the car park. The ship’s captain warned passengers the area was a “bomb zone” and told them to evacuate parts of the vessel.
Traffic Chaos and Delays as Dock Gate 10 Shuts
Dock Gate 10 was closed to all vehicles, causing heavy traffic delays around Southampton’s waterfront. The closure was lifted later, and normal operations have resumed.
Police have yet to release the identity of the arrested man or any details on his motive.
