**Bridgend Shopping Centre and Major Supermarkets Evacuated After Discovery of Unexploded Device**
In a dramatic turn of events this morning, a substantial section of Bridgend town centre was evacuated following the discovery of an unexploded ordnance device. The incident prompted swift action from South Wales Police, who cordoned off several key locations to ensure public safety.
The suspicious item was located in the Cheapside area of the town just before 9am, giving rise to immediate concerns for local safety. Officers responded rapidly, sealing off Brackla Street from Castle Bingo to the junction of Nolton Street as a precautionary measure.
Businesses affected by the police operation include some of Bridgend’s busiest commercial spots. Shoppers and staff at supermarkets Aldi and Asda, the Energie Fitness gym, and the Brackla Street Shopping Centre were all instructed to vacate the premises. Additionally, the adjacent building site on Cheapside was cleared as authorities sought to secure the area.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police issued a public statement urging residents and visitors to avoid the town centre until further notice. “We were called just before 8.55am this morning with a report of an unexploded ordnance device having been found in Cheapside, Bridgend. As a precaution, Brackla Street has been closed from Castle Bingo down to the junction of Nolton Street. We have also evacuated nearby supermarkets, fitness centres, shopping centres, and building sites as a safety measure,” the statement read.
The evacuation has caused considerable disruption to local businesses and shoppers. Many people found their morning routines upended as they were asked to leave shops and workplaces at short notice. Several have taken to social media expressing both concern and praise for the speed of the emergency response.
Authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the nature or origin of the suspected device. As is standard in these circumstances, bomb disposal experts have been informed and are working closely with police to assess the situation and safely dispose of the object if necessary.
Incidents involving unexploded ordnance are rare in South Wales, but police regularly remind residents to be vigilant and to alert authorities if they find any suspicious or unidentified items, especially in built-up or public spaces. Such find can be relics from past conflicts or the result of modern-day misplacement, but all reports are taken seriously and handled with the utmost care.
Local authorities have praised the public’s cooperation during the evacuation, noting that adherence to safety instructions is vital in fast-moving situations such as this. While the disruption is inconvenient, the swift measures undertaken are designed to safeguard lives and minimise potential harm.
No injuries or arrests have been reported at this time. Emergency services remain on site, and updates are expected as soon as the device is investigated thoroughly by experts. There is currently no indication of any ongoing threat beyond the initial discovery.
South Wales Police have encouraged anyone with information or concerns regarding today’s events to reach out to their non-emergency contact channels. Further statements are anticipated as the situation develops, and the community awaits news on when the affected areas will be deemed safe for the public to return.
Residents are advised to keep tuned to official updates and to avoid speculating on social media as the investigation continues.