Bomb hoax prompts evacuation at BAE Systems shipyard

A bomb threat that was later proven to be false has prompted a massive evacuation at and the temporary closure of a UK shipyard where the country’s newest attack submarines are being built.

BAE Systems evacuated an estimated 1,700 employees from its facility at Barrow-in-Furness in northern England after receiving a warning from an unknown source about a bomb on board one of the four Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines under construction at the yard on Wednesday, April 10.

The company said in a statement that it found nothing suspicious after conducting a thorough sweep of the area and the submarines.

BAE Systems added that the incident had since been “stood down” and that there is no danger of radioactive leaks.

The company said it will continue to assess the situation to ensure the safety of its employees, local residents, and the site itself.