10-08-2025
Everything we know after armed police descend on port after bomb threat
Armed police swooped onto Southampton port in response to a bomb threat that saw a cruise ship and terminal evacuated.
A man was arrested after claiming he had an explosive device at the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal.
Police were called to the scene at 11.46am on Saturday, August 9.
A 200m cordon was put in place, with the terminal and the nearby P&O Ventura being evacuated.
Specialist officers searched a lorry at the location, but no explosive device was found, with Hampshire Constabulary declaring: "We are satisfied that there is no risk to the public, and the cordon will now be lifted."
The scene on Saturday (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Cruise passenger tells of 'crazy' moment armed police swarmed into port
One passenger had been eating lunch when he saw armed police swarm the car park, setting up an exclusion zone.
The 28-year-old said: "The captain made an announcement that we were in the bomb zone and we had to get out.
"They stopped letting guests on board and closed off the port. Crazy stuff.
"We didn't get off. The police stood everyone down because they cleared it, and it resumed normal operations.
"I am ok, but a lot of the guests are really frustrated, saying it's ruined the start of our holiday."
Police putting a man in handcuffs into a van (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Cruise terminal and ship evacuated as armed police swarm to bomb threat
Images shared with the Echo show armed police, including one with a Taser, next to a lorry, whose occupant exits the vehicle with his arms behind his head and is quickly handcuffed.
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: "Due to an earlier police incident and in an abundance of caution, we made the decision to evacuate Ventura and the passenger terminal.
"The safety of our guests, crew, and port staff is our highest priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation of the authorities.
"Thank you for everyone's patience whilst the precautionary measures were in place."
During the incident, vehicles were stopped from entering Dock Gate 10, causing delays around the Waterfront area.
A spokesperson for Associated British Ports, the operators of Southampton port, added: "We are aware of a security incident that occurred at the port.
"Police attended the scene and have since stood down.
"Normal operations at the port have resumed.
"We will support any ongoing enquiries by the relevant authorities."
