Emergency services evacuate Bunnings Newstead following bomb threat
Emergency services evacuated shoppers from the Bunnings Warehouse in Newstead and surrounding shops on Tuesday morning after a bomb threat was made. The incident occurred at approximately 8.30am, prompting a significant police response in the inner-city suburb.
Traffic was diverted off Ross Street, spanning the area from Edmondstone Road to Durong Street. This diversion covered the back end of the building and the car park entrance while officers conducted a thorough sweep of the premises.
Police charge 12-year-old with bomb hoax
A 12-year-old boy has been charged in relation to the threats made at the store. Police confirmed the youth was charged with one count of bomb hoax and one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass, and/or intimidate.
Queensland Police stated the boy was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. The store and surrounding roads were reopened about 10.30am after the all-clear was given.
A police spokesperson told the Brisbane Times that no suspicious items were located during the search. The spokesperson added that there is no further information to indicate there is a threat to the public.
Store prioritises safety during evacuation
Bunnings regional manager Alysha Hayes confirmed the safety of team members and customers was the store’s top priority during the incident. The evacuation affected shoppers and staff inside the Newstead location and those in the immediate vicinity.
The incident disrupted traffic and access to the store for roughly two hours. Shoppers were kept away from the Ross Street entrance while emergency services and police investigated the threat.
