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Police carry out controlled explosion on suspicious car in Bristol Police carry out controlled explosion on suspicious car in Bristol
(about 2 hours later)
A controlled explosion has been carried on a suspicious car parked outside a Bristol city centre police station.A controlled explosion has been carried on a suspicious car parked outside a Bristol city centre police station.
Police said a device was used to gain access to the car and that bomb disposal units remained at the scene. A Volkswagen Golf was parked illegally outside the Bridewell Police Station and after examination by the Army, was found not to pose any threat.
Earlier, police closed off a number of roads in the Broadmead area after the car was left outside Bridewell police station for about an hour. Two small controlled explosions were carried out on the car to gain access to it.
The road closures have added to the Balloon Fiesta congestion. The vehicle has been removed and efforts are being made to locate the owner.
Road closures put in place in Bristol city centre earlier have now been lifted.
'Loud bang''Loud bang'
Avon and Somerset Police said calling in the bomb disposal unit was part of the standard procedure and an assessment was under way.
Eye witness Rory Sparshott, said: "There was a loud bang about 10 -15 minutes ago (at about 17:00 BST).Eye witness Rory Sparshott, said: "There was a loud bang about 10 -15 minutes ago (at about 17:00 BST).
"It appears they (the police) were expecting it. It was certainly a big bang, I would be surprised if it was anything other than an explosion.""It appears they (the police) were expecting it. It was certainly a big bang, I would be surprised if it was anything other than an explosion."
Police said the car raised suspicion earlier this afternoon by a member of staff at the police station who thought it was "strange" after the car had been left there.Police said the car raised suspicion earlier this afternoon by a member of staff at the police station who thought it was "strange" after the car had been left there.
They also said the bomb disposal unit team had their own vehicles and equipment and while their investigation continued, the cordon would remain in place. Avon and Somerset Police Chief Supt Jon Reilly said : "The decision to close the roads was not taken lightly and I'd like to thank the public and local traders for their patience and support while we dealt with the matter.
Avon and Somerset police said: "We're conducting enquiries to establish the owner of the car and as a precaution are also assessing it." "We take all suspicious incidents seriously and will take all the precautions necessary to ensure the public are safe and feel safe", he added.
Road closures were put in place just before 16:00 BST on Sunday.
The roads affected are Bridewell St, Nelson St, Silver St, Union St, Rupert St & Haymarket.
Police added that cars parked in Rupert St car park can be collected.
Bus services run by First have also been affected by the Rupert St closure and diversions are being put in place.