A suspected bomb threat at HMP Isle of Wight sparked a major security scare this morning (Saturday), but the Ministry of Justice has since confirmed that the threat was completely fabricated.
Concerns were raised about a potentially serious security incident at the prison complex, with reports suggesting that inmates had been placed into lockdown and specialist bomb disposal officers had been called to the scene.
It was at around 11:00 that Island Echo first received information about the developing situation, when a relative of an inmate contacted the newsroom with claims of a ‘live bomb hoax’ unfolding behind the prison walls.
The relative suggested that the alleged threat had resulted in the prison being placed into complete lockdown, with prisoners confined as the situation was assessed. It was also claimed that a bomb squad had been called in to respond to the incident.
With the seriousness of the allegations raising concerns about security at the prison, Island Echo contacted the Ministry of Justice to establish the facts.
A spokesperson initially confirmed that HMP Isle of Wight was dealing with what was described as a ‘very sensitive security issue’, but was unable to confirm or deny whether the incident involved a bomb threat.
The nature of the security issue remained unclear as enquiries continued, with the Ministry of Justice unable to provide further details at that stage.
However, following further enquiries, officials have now confirmed that the reported threat was nothing more than a hoax.
The Ministry of Justice has told Island Echo this afternoon that the threat was found to be ‘not credible’ and was, in fact, completely fabricated.
The confirmation puts an end to speculation about the existence of a genuine explosive threat at the prison, with no credible bomb threat having been identified.
It remains unclear who was responsible for making the fabricated threat, whether any specialist bomb disposal teams attended or how long any reported lockdown measures remained in place.
