Bournemouth uni building evacuated after ‘malicious online communication’, police confirm

Students were evacuated from lecture halls and police were present at Bournemouth University this afternoon, after a “malicious online communication” suggested a breach of student safety on Talbot Campus.

Police were called to the scene to investigate shortly after awareness was raised and found “no evidence to indicate a genuine security threat”, adding that hoaxes were still treated with the upmost importance.

The Tab has obtained a screenshot of the “malicious communication” and is working to determine the accuracy of the message.

Evacuation of lecture theatres within and surrounding Poole House took place from 2pm, causing further disruption to student studies alongside ongoing university staff strikes.

Bournemouth University issued a comment to The Tab saying: “Due to a safety concern we have had to close some of the lecture theatres in and adjacent to Poole House for the rest of the day. All other buildings on campus remain open”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police received a report at 2.19pm on Thursday 2nd February 2023 of a security alert at a lecture theatre at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus relating to a malicious electronic communication.

“Officers attended and assisted university staff in evacuating the building as a precaution. The individual who sent the electronic communication has been identified and there is no evidence to indicate the security threat was genuine. They are assisting officers with their enquiries.”

“It is believed the threat was a hoax and an investigation remains ongoing. We take hoaxes extremely seriously. They divert police resources and cause disruption and alarm to the public.

“We would like to thank students at the university for their cooperation during the evacuation.”

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